BR112015023284B1 - flute for stalk roll and stalk roll - Google Patents

Abstract

TALOS ROLL. One embodiment of a stalk roll to be mounted on a transmission shaft of a stalk roll from a corn harvester comprises a cylindrical casing with a recess in the main cylinder, in which reduced flutes are not present in the recess, but flutes complete are present in it. This modality includes a slit of stems having a length equal to the length of the recess. In addition, the flutes can be configured such that a stem coupling span is present at least once during a complete revolution of two opposing stem rolls.

Description

[001] This request claims the priority of Pat's Request. Provisional U.S. 61 / 778,118, filed on 12/03/2013, which is incorporated by reference here in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[002] The apparatus described here is generally applicable to the field of agricultural equipment. The modalities shown and described here are more particularly for the improved harvest of maize plants.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[003] Modern agricultural techniques require that during the separation of the ear of the corn plant (or “ear”) from a corn stalk (or “stalk”), harvesting machines optimize the following considerations: (1) the increase in rate of separation of the ear; (2) increasing the speed at which the stems are ejected from the row unit; (3) the retention of minimal amounts of material other than the ears (“MOTE”) in the heterogeneous material being delivered to the harvesting machine for threshing and (4) the laceration, cutting and / or penetration of the stem bark to expose the internal portions for accelerated stalk decomposition.

[004] As shown in Figure 1, modern maize degluters are produced with a plurality of crop row dividers to retrieve, lift and direct the stalk rows to their respective maize plant hitch chambers. The mating chamber of the maize plant is defined here as the portion of the maize spawner's career unit that engages the stalk and separates the ear from the maize plant. Figure 1A shows the top view of two stalk rolls found in the prior art. Harvest chains located in the coupling chamber of the corn plant pull the stalks and / or ears to the sprayer. The stalk rolls located below the harvest chains quickly pull the stems down, returning the stalk to the field. These stem rollers are typically powered by a gearbox. As the stem rolls rotate, the flutes in the stem rolls engage and pull the stems down. Two extractor plates located above the stalk rolls, with an extractor plate on each side of the corn row, are spaced wide enough to allow the stems and leaves to pass between them, but narrow enough to retain the ears. This causes the ears to be separated from the corn plant as the stalk is pulled down through the extractor plates. The stalk rolls continue to rotate and eject the unwanted portions of the corn plant below the mating plant of the corn plant, thereby returning the unwanted portions of the corn plant to the field.

[005] It was found that the performance of the stalk rolls found in the prior art, as shown in figures 3 to 5, is below optimal. Attempts to increase the performance of the stalk roll and increase the spike separation speed have been made by increasing the rotational speed of the stalk rollers. These attempts were largely unsuccessful because the stalk rolls having uniformly-sized flutes rotating at high speeds simulate a solid rotating cylinder (sometimes referred to as an “egg beater effect”), which restricts the entry of the corn plant. into the coupling chamber of the corn plant. The diameter of the simulated rotating cylinder is approximately equal to the distance from the tip of a first flute on a given roll of stems to the tip of a second flute oriented closer to 180 degrees from the first flute (that is, two opposite flutes on a given roll stems). This rotating cylinder effect prevents individual flutes from engaging the stalk and restricts the entry of corn plants into the coupling chamber of the corn plant. Thus, the stalk engagement is impaired and the corn plant hesitates and does not enter the mating plant of the corn plant.

[006] The prior art has attempted to increase the cutting or pricking performance of the stem rolls simply by adding more flutes to the stem rolls. In prior art applications, this reduces the performance of the stem rolls because during the rotation of the stem rolls, a semi-continuous steel wall prevents the stem from entering the mating plant of the corn plant, as mentioned above. The addition of flutes decreases the likelihood that the stem enters the space between two opposing stem rolls. That is, when more flutes are added to the stem roll, the rotation of the stem roll makes the stem roll more closely simulate a rotating cylinder. When viewed along the geometric axis of rotation of the stalk roll (the direction from which the stalk rolls would approach the stalk), the addition of more flutes restricts the ability of the stems to enter the mating plant of the corn plant due to interference the edges of the flutes.

[007] When the harvest chain shovel passes over the extraction plates and engages a stem that is restricted from entering the mating plant of the corn plant, the harvest chain shovel will likely break or separate the stem before the ear separates . The separation of the stem before the separation of the ear increases the entry of MOTE into the harvesting machine, thereby increasing horsepower and fuel requirements. The difficulty of the stalks entering the area between the stalk rolls can also cause the separation of the ear to happen near the opening of the row unit and allow the loose ears to fall to the ground, thus becoming unrecoverable.

[008] Figure 3 shows roll designs of opposing stems of the prior art using six grooves that mesh and overlap. When flutes of this type engage the stem, flutes alternately apply opposite forces. This knife-edge relationship causes at least two problems. First, corn plants are thrown violently from side to side causing premature separation of loosely attached ears, thereby allowing the ear to fall into the ground and become unrecoverable. Second, the stalk is cut or broken into a knot causing long unwanted portions of the stalk and leaves to remain attached to the ear and remain in the row. This increases the amount of MOTE that the harvesting machine needs to process. This problem is compounded, as the number of career units per corn cropper increases.

[009] Figure 4 shows the prior art stalk roll design with meshed knife edges as described in U.S. Patent 5,404,699. As shown, the stalk rolls have six integral flutes that extend outward. Each cannula has a knife edge that is provided with a front surface and a rear surface. The front surface of the knife edge has an inclination of ten degrees forward (with respect to the rotation of the stalk roll) and the rear surface has an inverse inclination of thirty degrees (with respect to the rotation of the stalk roll), both inclinations they are defined with respect to a line that extends through the apex of the knife edge and the central longitudinal geometric axis of the stalk roll. Therefore, the front surface is steeper than the rear surface of each knife edge. The flutes that extend radially are interspersed in a meshed arrangement. The stalk rollers can be mounted in a cantilevered arrangement or, alternatively, in an arrangement using point bearings. The stem roll comprises a cylindrical structure formed by two semi-cylindrical pieces that are attached around a transmission shaft. Screws extend between the two semi-cylindrical parts to join the parts, thereby securing the stem rollers to the drive shaft.

[010] This design, with the restricted engagement of the stalk roll with the stalk, allows the knife edges to cut the stems before pulling the stems through the extraction plates to separate the ear from the stalk, effectively leaving the upper portion of the plant free corn to float in the corn row unit as shown in figure 3. This requires that the harvesting machine's threshing components process a substantial portion of the stalk, which increases the harvesting machine's horsepower and harvesting requirements. fuel.

[011] Figure 5 shows the project revealed by Pat. U.S. 6,216,428, which is a stalk roll having bilaterally symmetrical flutes with knife edges that are adjacent and overlap in the area of the shear zone. This design produces a shear and cut of the stalk using a scissor configuration produced by the front and rear edges of the flutes with opposite knife edges. Again, the stems are severed before the ear separates. This is sometimes referred to as a “scissor effect” and it also results in the need to process larger quantities of MOTE.

[012] Case IH maize degluters built prior to the development of Pat. U.S. 6,216,428 used stalk rolls having four knives that were screwed into a solid shaft. Adjoining stem rolls are in alignment, so that as the stem rolls are rotated, the knives of the opposing stem rolls are also opposite, rather than interlocking. In an opposite arrangement, the knives come into contact with opposite sides of the stem at the same general height as the stem, thereby lacerating the stem for accelerated decomposition. It is important that the blades are correctly aligned and that the blades are correctly spaced. The stalk rollers used in Case IH corn de-spreaders require nose bearings at the front end (with respect to the direction of travel of the harvesting machine during threshing) from the stalk rollers to operate properly and cannot be mounted in a cantilever arrangement .

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[013] In order that the advantages of the invention are easily understood, a more particular description of the invention briefly described above will be provided by reference to the specific modalities illustrated in the accompanying drawings. With the understanding that these drawings represent only typical modalities of the invention and should therefore not be considered limited in scope, the invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and details through the use of the accompanying drawings.

[014] Figure 1 is a top view of a modality of a corn de-icer that contains a crossed auger, a feeder house, a frame and multiple prior art career units.

[015] Figure 1A is an exploded top view of a portion of a row unit of figure 1 of the prior art showing a portion of the mating plant of the corn plant.

[016] Figure 2 is a sectional view along the AA plane of a row unit, the cross auger, the cross auger trough, the feeder house and the harvest chain in figure 1, as revealed in the prior art. .

[017] Figure 3 is a sectional view of a portion of the corn deglutist shown in figure 1 along the plane F, showing the stalk rolls and extraction plates of a prior art career unit coupled with and cutting a plant of corn.

[018] Figure 4 is an end view of a pair of cut-type stalk rolls as disclosed in the prior art.

[019] Figure 5 is an end view of a pair of shear type stalk rolls as disclosed in the prior art.

[020] Figure 6 is a top view of an illustrative embodiment of a pair of rolls of opposite stems incorporating certain aspects of the present disclosure.

[021] Figure 7 is a perspective view of an illustrative embodiment of an opposite pair of stem rollers incorporating certain aspects of the present disclosure, in which the tip cones have been removed for clarity.

[022] Figure 8 is an exploded view of a pair of stem rollers shown in Figures 6 & 7.

[023] Figure 9A is an end view of an opposite pair of an illustrative pattern of stem rolls of the present technique positioned to illustrate a first moment during which the stem engagement gap is present.

[024] Figure 9B is an end view of an opposite pair of an illustrative embodiment of the stalk rolls of the present technique at a time later than that shown in figure 9A showing the rotated stalk rolls, so that the hitch opening of the stem is no longer present due to the first opposite flutes positioned in the groove of the stem.

[025] Figure 9C shows an end view of an opposite pair of an illustrative embodiment of the stalk rolls of the present technique at a time later than that shown in figure 9B showing the rotated stalk rolls, so that the stem coupling gap is not present due to the second opposite flutes positioned in the stem slot.

[026] Figure 9D is an end view of an opposite pair of an illustrative embodiment of the stalk rolls of the present technique at a time later than that shown in figure 9C showing the stalk rolls rotated to a position where the stem engagement gap is present for the second time during a revolution of the stem rolls.

[027] Figure 9E is an end view of an opposite pair of an illustrative embodiment of the stalk rolls of the present technique at a time later than the one depicted in figure 9D showing the rotated stalk rolls, so that the hitch opening of the stems is no longer present due to the third opposite flutes positioned in the stalk gap.

[028] Figure 9F is an end view of an opposite pair of an illustrative embodiment of the stalk rolls of the present technique at a time later than that shown in figure 9E showing the rotated stalk rolls, so that the hitch opening of the stems is not present due to the fourth opposite flutes positioned in the slit of stems.

[029] Figure 10 is an end view of another embodiment illustrating an opposite pair of stalk rolls of the present technique having fifth and sixth ribs with a rotational position corresponding to the position of the stalk rolls in figure 9A.

[030] Figure 11 is an end view of an opposite pair of an illustrative embodiment of the stalk rolls of the present technique illustrating knife-edge flutes.

[031] Figure 12 is a top view of an illustrative embodiment of a pair of extractor plates that can be used with various modalities of the stalk roll of the present technique showing various zones along the length of the extractor plates.

[032] Figure 13 is a top view of another illustrative embodiment of a pair of stem rolls according to the present disclosure showing several zones along the length of the stem rolls.

[033] Figure 14A is a sectional view of the extraction plates and stalk rolls of figures 12 & 13, respectively, on line 14A.

[034] Figure 14B is a sectional view of the extraction plates and stalk rolls of figures 12 & 13, respectively, on line 14B.

[035] Figure 14C is a sectional view of the extraction plates and stalk rolls of Figures 12 & 13, respectively, on line 14C.

[036] Figure 14D is a sectional view of the extraction plates and stalk rolls of figures 12 & 13, respectively, on line 14D.

[037] Figure 15 is a top view of another illustrative embodiment of the stem rolls incorporating certain aspects of the present disclosure having tapered flutes showing various zones along the length of the stem rolls.

[038] Figure 15A is a sectional view of the stalk rolls of figure 15 on line 15A.

[039] Figure 15B is a sectional view of the stalk rolls of figure 15 on line 15B.

[040] Figure 15C is a sectional view of the stalk rolls of figure 15 on line 15C.

[041] Figure 16 is a top view of another illustrative embodiment of the stalk rolls incorporating certain aspects of the present disclosure having stepped flutes showing various zones along the length of the stalk rolls.

[042] Figure 16A is a sectional view of the stalk rolls of figure 16 on line 16A.

[043] Figure 16B is a sectional view of the stalk rolls of figure 16 on line 16B.

[044] Figure 16C is a sectional view of the stalk rolls of figure 16 on line 16C.

[045] Figure 17 is a top view of another illustrative embodiment of the stem rolls incorporating certain aspects of the present disclosure having tapered flutes showing various zones along the length of the stem rolls.

[046] Figure 17A is a sectional view of the stalk rolls of figure 17 on line 17A.

[047] Figure 17B is a sectional view of the stalk rolls of figure 17 on line 17B.

[048] Figure 18 is a sectional view of figure 13 along line 14D with a stem engaged with the stem rolls.

[049] Figure 18A is a detailed view of the stem after penetration of the stem by the stem roll.

[050] Figure 19A is a sectional view of another illustrative embodiment of the stem rolls incorporating certain aspects of the present disclosure showing the angle of the flute edges before engaging with a stem.

[051] Figure 19B is a sectional view of the modality of the stalk rolls shown in figure 19A incorporating certain aspects of the present disclosure showing the angle of the flute's edges as they would look during coupling with a stalk.

[052] Figure 20 is a sectional view of an illustrative modality of a maize deglutist incorporating certain aspects of the present disclosure.

[053] Figure 21A is a perspective view of a first illustrative embodiment of a stem roll having a recess.

[054] Figure 21B is a second perspective view of the first illustrative embodiment of a stem roll having a recess.

[055] Figure 21C shows a detailed view of a flute in the first illustrative embodiment of a roll of stems having a recess.

[056] Figure 22A is an end view of the first illustrative embodiment of two stalk rolls having interlocking recesses.

[057] Figure 22B is another end view of the first illustrative embodiment of two stalk rolls having interlocking recesses in which the tip cone has been removed for clarity.

[058] Figure 23 is a sectional view of a second illustrative embodiment of two stalk rolls having a meshed recess.

[059] Figure 24A is a perspective view of another illustrative embodiment of a stem roll that can be used, since the right stem roll (from an operator's perspective) can be engaged with an adjacent stem roll to form a couple.

[060] Figure 24B is a side view of the illustrative embodiment of a stalk roll shown in figure 24A.

[061] Figure 24C is an end view of the illustrative embodiment of a stalk roll shown in Figure 24A with the tip cone removed.

[062] Figure 25A is a perspective view of an illustrative embodiment of a stalk roll that can be used as the left stalk roll with the illustrative embodiment of a stalk roll shown in figures 24A to 24C to create a cooperating pair .

[063] Figure 25B is a side view of the illustrative embodiment of a stalk roll shown in figure 25A.

[064] Figure 25C is an end view of the illustrative embodiment of a stalk roll shown in Figure 25A with the tip cone removed.

[065] Figure 26A is a perspective view of an illustrative embodiment of a hybrid flute that can be used on the stem roll shown in figures 24A to 24C.

[066] Figure 26B is a perspective view of an illustrative embodiment of a complete flute that can be used on the stalk roll shown in figures 24A to 24C.

[067] Figure 26C is a perspective view of an illustrative embodiment of a reduced flute that can be used on the stem roll shown in figures 24A to 24C.

[068] Figure 26D is a perspective view of an illustrative embodiment of a second reduced flute that can be used on the stem roll shown in figures 24A to 24C.

[069] Figure 26E is a perspective view of an illustrative embodiment of a short flute that can be used on the stalk roll shown in figures 24A to 24C.

[070] Figure 26F is a perspective view of the flutes shown in figures 26A and 26B positioned in relation to each other as shown in the illustrative embodiment of a stalk roll in figures 24A to 24C.

[071] Figure 26G is a side view of the illustrative embodiment of a flute arrangement shown in figure 26F.

[072] Figure 27A is a perspective view of the illustrative embodiment of the stalk rolls shown in figures 24 and 25 positioned adjacent.

[073] Figure 27B is an end view of the illustrative embodiment of a stalk roll arrangement shown in Figure 27A.

[074] Figure 28A is a perspective view of another illustrative embodiment of a pair of stalk rolls according to the present disclosure.

[075] Figure 28B is an end view of the illustrative embodiment of a pair of stalk rollers shown in Figure 28A.

[076] Figure 28C is a perspective view of five adjacent flutes of the right stem roll of the illustrative embodiment of a pair of stem rolls shown in figure 28A.

[077] Figure 29A is a perspective view of an illustrative embodiment of a hub and cone cone assembly that can be used with certain illustrative embodiments of the stem roll.

[078] Figure 29B is a sectional view of the illustrative embodiment of a set of hub and cone tip shown in figure 29A.

[079] Figure 30A is a perspective view of another illustrative embodiment of a set of hub and cone tip that can be used with certain illustrative embodiments of the stem roll.

[080] Figure 30B is a sectional view of the illustrative embodiment of a set of hub and cone tip shown in figure 30A. DETAILED DESCRIPTION - ELEM NTOS LISTING

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[081] Before the various modalities of the present invention are explained in detail, it should be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the dispositions of the components presented in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other modalities and of being practiced or of being executed in several ways. Also, it should be understood that the phraseology and terminology used here with reference to the device or orientation of the element (such as, for example, terms such as "front", "rear", "up", "down", "top" ”,“ Lower ”and so on) are only used to simplify the description of the present invention and do not indicate alone or imply that the aforementioned device or element needs to have a particular orientation. In addition, terms such as "first", "second" and "third" are used here and in the appended claims for purposes of description and are not intended to indicate or imply relative importance or meaning. “Stalk Roll” 15, 16, 190, 192, 400 is not limited to any specific modality or feature disclosed here, but is intended to include any stalk roll of the present technique that is configured with one or more inventive features as disclosed and claimed here.

1. FIRST MODALITY OF TALOS ROLLS WITH A TALO HITCH SPAN

[082] With reference now to the drawings, in which similar reference numerals indicate identical or corresponding parts from all of the various views, the general operation of the corn husks having stalk rolls mounted on them of the type illustrated in figures 6 to 9 is similar to operation of the corn husks using stalk rolls 12 of the prior art (as illustrated in figures 1 to 5). As used here, “left” and “right” are defined from the perspective of a corn plantation in relation to a harvesting machine.

[083] The source of power for this maize de-stemmer career unit is provided from a transmission shaft of the stalk roll 29 through a gearbox, as described in the prior art, and is well known to those skilled in the art and not represented here. Each career unit of the corn scrubber in a corn scrubber is equipped with a first and a second stalk rollers 15, 16 arranged in parallel with each other to create an opposite pair. The first and second stalk rolls 15, 16 are provided with tip cones 5 having transport blades 6. Immediately behind the tip cones 5 are cylindrical casing 17 having a first, second, third and fourth flutes 18, 19, 20 and 21, respectively, mounted along the length of the first and second stalk rolls 15, 16 (as can be easily seen in figure 6). Each flute 18, 19, 20, 21 can further be provided with a knife edge 22, as is shown in detail in the embodiment shown in figure 11. The knife edges 22 are substantially parallel to the central longitudinal geometric axis of the cylindrical casing 17. As shown in the embodiment in figures 6 to 9, the stalk rollers 15, 16 can be mounted in the cantilevered manner for rotation by their transmission stems from the respective stalk roll (not shown), thereby eliminating the need for triangular supports or high end bearings.

[084] As with corn husks using stalk rolls 12 of the prior art, the stalk rolls 15, 16 of the present disclosure pull the stalk 320 in a downward motion, causing the ears 13 to touch the extraction plates 3 and separate of the stem 320. The flutes 18, 19, 20, 21 attached to the stem rolls 15, 16 can also act to tear or crush the stem 320 and also facilitate the ejection of the stem 320 from the mating chamber of the corn plant. The paddles of the harvest chain 1 attached to the harvest chains 2 transport the loose ears 13 to the cross auger bowl 8. Cross auger 9 moves the ears 13 of the cross auger bowl 8 to the feeder house 11, which moves the ears 13 into the rest of the harvesting machine for further processing, all of which are well known to those skilled in the art.

[085] In an embodiment not shown here, the stalk rolls 15, 16 can be manufactured as a piece adapted for engagement on the transmission shaft of the stalk roller 29. In another embodiment, the first and second stalk rolls 15 , 16 can be constructed as two continuous, integral, semi-cylindrical housings, which will be screwed into a stem roll mounting base (not shown) into which the stem shaft transmission shaft 29 is inserted, as is best illustrated in figure 8. The cylindrical casing 17 can be comprised of two pieces of semi-cylindrical casing, an upper semi-cylindrical casing 27 and a lower semi-cylindrical casing 28, which are screwed into the intermediate drive shaft 38. The holes of the long screw 38 37 and the long screws 36 with nuts or other fastening members, together with the short screw holes 31, short screws 32 and screw receptors 34, form a structure for mounting the cylindrical housing o 17 on the intermediate drive shaft 38, which can then be mounted on the drive shaft of the stalk roll 29.

[086] Figure 8 better illustrates the mounting structure for a modality using semi-cylindrical wrappers 27, 28. In one embodiment, each semi-cylindrical wrapper 27, 28 is formed with two annular edges that extend inwards 30 having short screw holes 31 Short screws 32 go through the short screw holes 31 and engage the screw receivers 34 located on an intermediate drive shaft 38. The long screws 36 go through the holes of the long screw 37 of two corresponding upper and lower semi-cylindrical shells 27, 28 and with a nut or other fixing member they secure the semi-cylindrical housings 27, 28 together around the intermediate drive shaft 38. The intermediate drive shaft 38 is attached to the drive shaft of the stem roller 29 by the drive shaft screws 39. In addition, a small pin 40 and a large pin 41 prevent relative rotation between the intermediate transmission shaft 38 and the transmission shaft. stalk roll (not shown in figure 8).

[087] Each semi-cylindrical casing 27, 28 can be manufactured having at least two integral flutes. In one embodiment, the flutes are then machined to define the edge of knife 22. Each edge of knife 22 has a front surface 23 and a back surface 24 that form an acute angle between them of approximately forty degrees, as shown in the embodiment shown in figure 11. The front surface is a backward sloping surface (with respect to the direction of rotation of one of the stalk rolls 15, 16 of an opposite pair), tilting approximately ten degrees of a line passing through the central longitudinal geometric axis of the enclosure cylindrical 17 and the apex of the knife edge 22. The rear surface 24 is a forward inclined surface (with respect to the direction of rotation of one of the stalk rolls 15, 16 of an opposite pair), tilting approximately thirty degrees of a line passing through the central longitudinal geometric axis of the cylindrical casing 17 and the apex of the knife edge 22. Other inclinations and angles of the front surface 23 and the rear surface ra 24 can be used without departing from the spirit or scope of the stalk roll 15, 16. As is well known to those skilled in the art, tungsten carbide can be applied to the rear surfaces 24 to make the edges of the knife 22 self-sharpening. Although not shown, the tungsten carbide layer is generally between 0.0762 mm and 0.508 mm (three and twenty thousandths of an inch thick) and is induction hardened.

[088] As illustrated in figures 6 to 9, the flutes 18, 19, 20, 21 of the first and second rolls of opposite stems 15, 16 are displaced, but not interspersed. As those skilled in the art will find, although not shown, the stalk roll design revealed here can also be done with a rounded flute edge or edge that has no knife-like characteristics. Thus, the scope of the stalk roll 15, 16 is not limited by the type of edge formed in the groove or the shape of the specific cross section of the groove.

[089] The present technique relieves the impediment to the flow of the stalks 320 into the mating chamber of the corn plant (the impediment of which is a result of the egg beater effect, as described above) by creating at least one stalk engaging space 25 in the stalk slot 7 per revolution of the stalk roll 15, 16, which is explained in detail below. When the coupling gap of the stalk 25 is present, the entrance of the maize plant into the mating chamber of the maize plant is not restricted.

[090] As can be seen by the modality in figures 9A to 9F, the width of the stalk gap 7 is defined as the distance between the inner periphery of the cylindrical casings 17 of the opposite stalk rolls 15, 16, the width of which is represented “W ”In figures 9A to 10. Other modalities described in detail below include a recess 420, which can affect the width of the stalk gap 7. The height of the stalk gap 7 is essentially infinite, although by practical nature, the soil surface produces a lower limit. The engagement span of the stem 25, as shown in figures 9A, 9D and 10 is then defined as the moment (s) during the revolution of the first and second stem rolls 15, 16, in which none of the flutes 18, 19, 20, 21 of the first or second stem roll 15, 16 is positioned within the stem slot 7. Figures 9B, 9C, 9E and 9F illustrate the stem gap 7 after the stem engagement slot 25 is closed.

[091] Figures 9A to 9F show six views of the stalk gap 7 at six different times during a revolution of the stalk rolls 15, 16 with the direction of rotation of the stalk rolls 15, 16 indicated by the respective arrows. As will be explained in detail below, the modality shown in figures 9A to 9F is configured, so that the engagement span of the stem 25 is present at two different moments in time during a revolution of the stem rolls 15, 16; and as will be seen by those skilled in the art, this is just one of the many modalities that stalk rolls 15, 16 can adopt. Throughout a revolution of stem rolls 15, 16, at any point in time, the flutes 18, 19, 20, 21 can be engaged in five different modes of action on a stem 320 at any point along the axial length of the flute 18, 19, 20, 21 (depending on the location and orientation of the flutes 18, 19, 20, 21 and the particular modality). The five modes of action on stem 320 are: (1) unrestricted entry of stem 320 into the coupling chamber of the corn plant (which occurs at the time shown in figures 9A and 9D, although restricted entry may occur in others moments in time); (2) coupling of the flute 18, 19, 20, 21 or the knife with the stem 320 (which can occur at times in time shown in figures 9B, 9C, 9E and 9F, but can also occur at other times in time) ; (3) laceration and crushing of the stem 320 by the flutes 18, 19, 20, 21 or knives (which can occur at the moments in time shown in figures 9B, 9C, 9E and 9F, but can also occur at other times in time) ; (4) separation of the ear and ejection of the stem 320 (which can occur at times in time shown in figures 9B, 9C, 9F and 9F, but can also occur at other times in time); (5) release of stem 320 by stem rolls 15, 16 for lateral movement of stem 320 (which most often occurs at times in time shown in figures 9A and 9D, but may also occur at other times in time).

[092] Figure 9A shows the stem slot 25 and illustrates that when the stem slot 25 appears, no flutes 18, 19, 20, 21 are located in the stem slot 7. When the stem rolls 15 , 16 are in that position, a stem 320 (not shown) can freely enter the stem slit 7 and the mating chamber of the corn plant without restriction. The hitch opening of the stalk 25 also allows the stems 320 already positioned between the stalk rolls 15, 16 to move in a lateral direction to compensate for the forward movement of the harvesting machine, in which the corn sprayer is attached.

[093] Figure 9B shows the stalk gap 7 at a later time in time after the stalk rolls 15, 16 have been rotated from their positions shown in figure 9A. Figure 9B shows that at that point, the first flute 18 of each roll of stems 15, 16 moved into the slit of stems 7, so that there is no engagement gap for stalk 25, and the first flutes 18 of the rollers of respective stems 15, 16 now engage any stalk 320 between the stalk rolls 15, 16. This engagement can serve to tear or crush the stalk 320 or to pull the stalk 320 down through the mating plant of the corn plant and subsequently eject the stem 320 depending on the specific modality.

[094] Figure 9C shows the stalk gap 7 at a later point in time when the second flute 19 of each stalk roll 15, 16 moved into the stalk gap 7, so that there is still no gap of coupling of the stem 25. The second flutes 19 of each roll of respective stems 15, 16 now engage any stem 320 between the stem rolls 15, 16. This coupling can serve to lacerate or crush the stem 320, or to pull the stem 320 down through the mating plant of the maize plant and subsequently eject the stem 320 depending on the specific modality.

[095] Figure 9D shows a snapshot of the stalk gap 7 at a later point in time than the moment depicted in Figure 9C and shows the engagement span of stalk 25 present for the second time during this stalk roll revolution. 15, 16. Stem engagement slot 25 is present as long as no flutes 18, 19, 20, 21 are positioned inside the stalk slot 7 when stalk rolls 15, 16 are positioned as in figure 9D, and a stalk 320 (not shown) can again freely enter the stalk gap 7 and the mating chamber of the corn plant without restriction. Again, the stalk engagement slot 25 also allows the stems 320 already positioned between the stalk rolls 15, 16 to move in a lateral direction to compensate for the forward movement of the harvesting machine, in which the corn spreader is attached .

[096] Figure 9E shows the slit of stems 7 at a later time in the time shown in figure 9D in which the third flute 20 of each roll of stems 15, 16 moved into the slit of stems 7, so that there is no gap for coupling the stem 25. At that point, the third flutes 20 of the respective stem rolls 15, 16 now engage any stem 320 between the stem rolls 15, 16. As with similar moments in time already explained, this coupling it can serve to tear or crush the stem 320 or to pull the stem 320 down through the coupling chamber of the corn plant and subsequently eject the stem 320 depending on the specific modality.

[097] Figure 9F shows the slit of stems 7 at a later time in time when the fourth flute 21 of each roll of stems 15, 16 moved into the slit of stems 7, so that there is still no gap of coupling of the stem 25. Here, the fourth flutes 21 of the respective stem rolls 15, 16 engage any stem 320 between the stem rolls 15, 16. Again, this coupling can serve to lacerate or crush the stem 320 or to pull the stem 320 down through the coupling chamber of the corn plant and subsequently eject stem 320 depending on the specific modality. As will be evident to those skilled in the art, the next snapshot in time of the slit of stems 7 according to the pattern indicated by figures 9A to 9F will be identical to figure 9A and would produce the last vision of a complete revolution of the stalk rolls 15 , 16.

[098] Figures 6 to 9 show an illustrative modality in which the stalk rolls 15, 16 and their respective flutes 18, 19, 20, 21 are configured, so that the spacing engagements of the stalk 25 appear by revolution of the rollers of stems 15, 16. As those skilled in the art will verify, stalk rolls 15, 16 and their respective flutes 18, 19, 20, 21 can be configured, so that almost any number of stalk engagement spans 25 appears by revolution of stalk rolls 15, 16. For example, although not shown in the figures here, one skilled in the art could easily add a fifth flute to the stalk rolls 15, 16 between the fourth and first flutes 18, 21 on each roll of stems 15, 16; and thereby reduce the number of stem engagement spans 25 per revolution of stem rolls 15, 16 from two to one.

[099] In the illustrative mode shown in figures 6 to 9, two structural characteristics are necessary to create two stem coupling spans 25 per revolution of the stem rolls 15, 16. First, the flutes 18, 19, 20, 21 of each stalk roll 15, 16 must be positioned around the circumference of the stalk roll 15, 16 in a non-equidistant manner. That is, the distance in the circumference between the first flute 18 and the fourth flute 21 is greater than the distance in the circumference between the third flute 20 and the fourth flute 21 in each roll of stems 15, 16. Likewise, the distance the circumference between the second flute 19 and the third flute 20 is greater than the distance in the circumference between the first flute 18 and the second flute 19 of each roll of stems 15, 16. However, this can be accomplished using flutes 18, 19 , 20, 21 of different lengths in order to vary the distance in the circumference between terminal ends of the flutes 18, 19, 20, 21. Second, the first stalk roll 15 of an opposite pair is positioned on its transmission shaft. respective stem roll 29, so that it is slightly advanced (with respect to the rotational positions of the flutes 18, 19, 20, 21) compared to the second stem roll 16 of the pair. During operation, the stalk rollers 15, 16 operate at the same rotational speed, so that the difference in positioning is maintained throughout the operation. Because the prior art stalk rolls 12 and the flutes in them are not configured to produce any stalk engagement gap 25, they essentially create a rotating steel wall as previously described, which restricts the entry of the stalk 320 into the stalk gap 7 and the mating chamber of the corn plant.

[0100] Figure 10 shows an end view of another embodiment of the stalk rolls 15, 16. In this embodiment, a fifth flute 26 is added between the first flute 18 and the second flute 19, so that the distance between the first flute flute 18 and fifth flute 26 is equal to the distance between the second flute 19 and the fifth flute 26. A sixth flute 33 has also been added between the third flute 20 and the fourth flute 21, so that the distance between the third flute 20 and the sixth groove 33 is equal to the distance between the fourth groove 21 and the sixth groove 33. Figure 10 represents the moment when the engagement gap of the stem 25 is present, thus allowing the stems 30 to enter the hitch chamber of the corn plant. In this embodiment, as in the embodiment shown in figures 9A to 9F, the engagement slot of the stem 25 appears twice per revolution of the stem rolls 15, 16.

[0101] In an alternative embodiment not shown here, additional flutes that have a shorter axial length when compared to the axial length of flutes 18, 19, 20, 21 could be placed between all or some of the flutes 18, 19, 20, 21 (Alternatively, some of the original flutes 18, 19, 20, 21 could be formed with an axial length less than the axial length of the adjacent flutes 18, 19, 20, 31). Here, the additional flutes would not extend the entire distance of the cylindrical casing 17. In this place, the additional flutes would only extend along the cylindrical casing 17 from a point proximal to the end of the cylindrical casing 17 closest to the cross auger. 9 (which may be the same point from which the flutes 18, 19, 20, 21 extend, as shown in figure 6) to a distal point of the cross auger 9, but not the entire length of the cylindrical casing 17 to the interface between the cylindrical casing 17 and the tip cone 5. That is, the additional flutes would not extend radially from the cylindrical casing 17 in a portion of the cylindrical casing 17 which is distal from the cross auger 9 (and also distal from the connection between the transmission axis of the stalk roll 29 and the corn sprayer). This modality facilitates the stalk rolls 15, 16 that are configured, so as to produce a gap of engagement of the stock 25 along a predetermined axial portion of the stalk rolls 15, 16 that first engage the stalk 320 (that is, a distal portion of the cross auger 9) while still providing more flutes to engage the stalk 320 in the mating chamber of the corn plant in a portion of the stalk rolls 15, 16 proximal to the corn de-icer (which can aid in the decomposition of the corn) stem 320 and co-harvest speed).

[0102] As is evident from the modality shown in figure 10, the specific number and orientation of the flutes 18, 19, 20, 21, 26, 33 used in a stalk roll 15, 16 can vary. Therefore, the precise number of flutes 18, 19, 20, 21, 26, 33 used in a particular modality or their specific orientation in no way limits the scope of the present stalk roll 15, 16. As long as the flutes 18, 19 , 20, 21, 26, 33 are oriented on the stem rolls 15, 16 and the stem rolls 15, 16 are oriented with respect to each other, such that at least one hitch engagement of the stem 25 appears during a revolution of the stalk rolls 15, 16, the specific orientation or number of flutes 18, 19, 20, 21, 26, 33 is not limiting to the scope of the present stalk roll 15, 16. Additionally, what is mentioned here as a cylindrical casing 17 of the stalk rollers 15, 16 need not be formed as a perfect cylinder, preferably it can be formed, so that the cross-sectional area changes along the axial length (for example, conical) or be formed with any form of cross section that performs in a relatively satisfactory manner.

2. OTHER MODALITIES OF TALOS ROLLS WITH A TALOS HITCH SPAN

[0103] Another embodiment of a pair of stem rollers 190 performing a stem engagement span 25 is shown in figures 13 to 14D. A pair of beveled extraction plates 130 is shown in figure 12 and in the cross-section lines marked as 14A, 14B, 14C and 14D representing various zones along the lengths of the extraction plates 130 and stem rolls 190. The stem rolls 190 and the extraction plates 130 of figures 12 and 13 are shown in section at various positions along their lengths in figures 14B to 14D. The modality of the stalk rolls 190 and extraction plates 130 shown in figures 12 to 14D is configured to create four distinct zones (however related and overlapping) along their lengths, each zone performs a separate function and purpose within the row unit. The combination of zones, ratios and subfunctions are designed to improve the performance of the corn cropper and harvesting machine by allowing better material flow through the row unit, reducing congestion and MOTE levels through the row unit, transportation and harvesting machine; therefore improving the speeds and efficiencies of the harvesting machine. The four (4) related overlapping current zones are the alignment, entry, ear separation and plant ejection zones after ear separation.

A. THE ALIGNMENT AREA

[0104] In the embodiment shown in figures 12 to 14D, the alignment zone is generally around the line of cross section designated as 14A, in front of the stem rollers 190 and adjacent to the tip cones 5, which is best shown in figures 13 and 14B. In some embodiments, the alignment zone extends along the stem rollers 190 from the front of the tip cones 5 to the line 14A. The purposes of this zone are to align, direct and harvest the corn plant for transport to the entrance and / or ear separation zone with the ear 300 intact and positioned for recovery with a minimum MOTE. In the zone of alignment of the extractor plate 130 shown in figures 12 and 14B to 14D, the extractor plates 130 are substantially flat, as best shown in figures 12 and 14B. This reduces the tendency of the nipples 300 to stick below the extractor plates 130. The transport paddles 170 in the tip cones 4 in front of the alignment zone serve to guide the stems 320 into the separation chamber of the nipple 140, which is best shown in figure 20. The rotating conveyor blades 170 can be synchronized or not engaged to produce a positive material flow under difficult, slow or high speed harvest conditions. A function of the transport paddles 170 is generally to center the stem 320 in the ear separation chamber 140.

[0105] The stalk rolls 190 shown in figures 13 to 14D also incorporate a stalk slot 7, in which a stalk engagement of the stalk 25 occurs intermittently. The stalk slot 7 and stalk engagement slot 25 as defined for this stalk roll modality 190 are the same as those defined for the stalk roll modality 15, 16 shown in figures 9 and 10. This roll modality of stems 190 facilitates an opening of stalk 25 that occurs along a specific length of the stalk rolls 190. As shown in figure 14B, the opening of stalk 25 occurs first in front of the stalk rolls 190 in the alignment and extends along its entire length (the length of which is shown in figure 13). This facilitates the simple transport of the stem 320 from the tip cones 5 to the separation chamber of the ear 140 between the stem rolls 190. The engagement slot of the stem 25 in the alignment zone is formed by placing two short flutes 180 separated by 180 degrees on each stem roll 190, such that the short grooves 180 are arranged in a knife-by-knife configuration. Another function of the transport paddles 170 is to ensure that the stem 320 does not fall forward out of the engagement slot of the stem 25.

B. THE ENTRY AREA

[0106] In the embodiment shown in figures 12 to 14D, the entry zone is generally around the line of cross section designated as 14B, in front of the stem rollers 190, but behind the alignment zone, which is best shown in figures 13 and 14C. In some embodiments, the entry zone extends along the stem rolls 190 of the C-C line to the front portion of the stem rolls 190 at the end of any intermediate flutes 182, which are described in detail below. The primary purpose of this zone is to allow the entry of the stem 320 into the separation chamber of the ear 140 between the stem rolls 190. The rate at which the stem 320 is accepted within the row unit is a primary factor in determining the speed of the harvest.

[0107] As explained above, the prior art teaches that in order to increase the entry rate, the rotational speed of the stalk roll 190 needs to be increased, which merely increases the egg churn effect. If stem 320 is not compressed in the entry zone, stem 320 stops at the row unit, whose stop allows the edges of the rotating flute to separate stem 320. This stop also causes stem 320 to tilt away from the stem unit. career. Consequently, the separation of the spike often occurs near the opening of the row unit, such that the loose spikes 300 fall to the ground and become unrecoverable.

[0108] A stem engagement slot 25 is also present in the entry zone in this mode of stem rolls 190, which is best shown in figure 14C. The short flutes 180 in the alignment zone extend into the entry zone, and the stem engagement slot 25 in the entry zone is formed by placing two additional short flutes 180 adjacent to the short flutes 180 of the alignment zone. As shown in figures 13 and 14B, the four short flutes 180 are not evenly spaced around the periphery of the stalk rolls 190, but are instead placed in groups of two. This facilitates the engagement gap of the stem 25 in the entry zone, as long as adjacent short flutes 180 in each pair are close enough that a engagement gap of the stem 25 is present at least once during a complete revolution of the stem rolls 190 In this embodiment, a hitch engagement of the stalk 25 is present twice during a complete revolution in both the alignment zone and the entry zone, as is evident by figures 14B and 14C.

C. THE COB SEPARATION AREA

[0109] In the embodiment shown in figures 12 to 14D, the ear separation zone is generally around the cross-sectional line designated as 14C in the front half of the stem rolls 190, which is best shown in figures 13 and 14D. In some embodiments, the ear separation zone extends along the stalk rolls 190 from the end of an intermediate flute 182 to the front of the stalk rolls 190 to the end of a long flute 183, which is described in detail below. In general, the spike separation zone extends over a greater length of the stem rollers 190 than any other zone. The primary purpose of this zone is to separate the ear 300 from the stem 320 and prevent any ears 300 from falling forward out of the row unit. In this zone, the mode of the stem rolls 190 shown here pulls the stem 320 through the extractor plates 130 without prematurely separating the stem 320. The maximum vertical speed at which the stem rolls 190 consume the stem 320 is determined by the damage that occurs on the ear 300 at a given speed and will vary from one corn variety to the next.

[0110] As best shown in figures 13 and 14D, the intermediate flutes 183 that extend radially further from the stalk roll 190 than the short flutes 180 can be positioned in the ear separation zone. Because the intermediate flutes 183 are radially longer than the short flutes 180, the stem rolls 190 engage the stems 320 more securely in that area, which is evident from figure 14D. In the modality shown in figures 12 to 14D, like the short flutes 180, the intermediate flutes 182 are not interlocked, but opposed with minimal space, so that a flute 180, 182 on a roll of stems 190 begins to engage the stalk 320, the opposite flutes 180, 182 on the other stem roll 190 engages stem 320 at a point on the horizontally opposite side of stem 320. This balanced engagement action reduces the side lashing of stem 320, which can be dislodged and swayed the ear 300 of the stem 320 or cause the stem 320 to prematurely break or separate. The balanced engagement action allows the stem rollers 190 to pull the stem 320 down equally, so that the extractor plates 130 can quickly separate the spike 300 from the stem 320 in the spike separation zone.

[0111] Also evident from figure 14D is the fact that the ear separation zone does not include a stem engagement slot 25. This is because the intermediate flutes 182 are positioned in the space between the two groups of short flutes 180 present in the zone input. Thus, in the represented embodiment, a total of six flutes 180, 182 are present in the ear separation zone and they are equally spaced around the periphery of the stalk roll 190, such that each flute 180, 182 is separated by sixty degrees . The two short flutes 180 in each pair in the entry zone are also separated by sixty degrees and each pair of short flutes 180 is separated by 120 degrees from the other. A stem engagement slot 25 is not necessary in the ear separation zone because at that point the stem 320 is securely positioned between the two stem rollers 320 and the danger of the stem 320 falling forward out of the ear separation chamber 140 has been softened. That is, the previously described egg-whipping effect has been eliminated by providing a stalk engagement slot 25 in the alignment and entry zones.

D. THE PLANT EJECTION AREA AFTER SEPARATION OF THE COB

[0112] In the modality represented in figures 12 to 13, the plant's ejection zone after the ear separation is usually around the cross-section line marked 14D, to the rear of the 190 stem rollers, which is better shown in figures 13 and 14D. In some embodiments, this zone extends along the stalk rolls 190 from the beginning of a long flute 183 to the end of a long flute 183 towards the rear of the stalk roll 190, which is described in detail below. The primary purpose of this zone is to quickly eject the stem 320 from the row to minimize interference between the MOTE and the spikes 300. No specific speed ratio controls the operating speed of that zone. After separating the ear, increasing the ejection speed of the stem 320 effectively reduces the MOTE by entering the threshing area (core separation) of the harvesting machine, thereby increasing the threshing efficiency and capacity.

[0113] As shown in figures 13 and 14D, that zone may include a plurality of long flutes 183, three of which are shown on each roll of stems 190. The long flutes 183 extend radially further from the roll of stems 190 than any other flutes 180, 182. Within this zone, the long flutes 183 can be either meshed or non-meshed, in order to create a high-speed dump zone. The stem rollers 190 can also be aerodynamically designed to create a suction effect, so that the unmounted MOTE of the tang separation chamber 140 is pulled down and returned to the field. The ejection zone of the plant after the separation of the ear can also be configured to separate, crush, crush or otherwise manipulate the stem 320 to accelerate its decomposition. The various functions of that zone can be achieved through different orientations and / or configurations of the flutes 180, 182, 183 in the zone, as well as the number of flutes 180, 182, 183 in it. Thus, the scope of the stem rolls 190 is not limited by the number of flutes 180, 182, 183 in any zone, nor is it limited by the configuration and / or orientation of the flutes 180, 182, 183 in any zone.

[0114] As shown in figures 12 and 14D, this zone can be configured as a dump zone by adding short lengths of long flutes 183 between the short and / or intermediate flutes 180, 182. The use of long mesh flutes 183 allows for an ejection fastest diameter of small diameter 320, usually found in the uppermost portion of the corn plant. The long meshed flutes 183 of the stalk rollers 190 or 192 are aerodynamically designed and assembled to create a downward draft through the spike separation chamber 140, which further increases the removal of any MOTE.

[0115] Short flutes 180, intermediate flutes 182 and / or long flutes 183 can be formed integrally together, such that a short flute 180 and / or an intermediate flute 182 is formed by removing a portion of a long flute 183. As a Consequently, a short flute 180 can be formed by removing a portion of an intermediate flute 182. Conversely, the various flutes 180, 182, 183 can be formed separately. In addition, short and / or intermediate flutes 180, 182 present in the alignment or entry zones can extend into the ear separation and plant ejection zones after the ear separation, as shown in the embodiment in figures 13 to 14D.

[0116] The height and width of the hitch opening of the stalk 25 have been previously defined here in relation to figures 9 and 10. The length of the hitch opening of the stalk 25 can vary from one embodiment of the stalk rollers 190 to the next. For example, in the form of the stem rolls 190 shown in figures 13 to 14D, the engagement span of the stem 25 extends from the forward alignment zone of the ear separation zone, which is less than half the overall length of the stem. stem rolls 190. However, in other embodiments of stem rolls 190, the length of the engagement span of stem 25 may be different. Accordingly, the scope of the stem rollers 190 as disclosed and claimed herein is in no way limited by the length of the stem engagement slot 25.

[0117] As described and specifically claimed in other patents and patent applications owned by the applicant, extractor plates 130 used with any of the stem rolls 15, 16, 190, 400 or any other stem rolls 130 can be chamfered along their lengths, as shown in figures 12 and 14B to 14D. The extraction plates 130 as shown here have a rounded or contoured surface to mimic the arched underside of the maize leaf 310 with two positive effects. First, this allows the corn leaf to remain trapped in stem 320, reducing the level of MOTE retained in the ear separation chamber 140. Second, this shape also improves the separation of the ear husk 300, further reducing the level of MOTE in the ear. spike separation chamber 140. As shown in figures 14B and 14C, the extractor plates 130 are substantially flat in the alignment and inlet zones, which reduces the sticking of the spike 300 below the extraction plates 130 and above the blades. transport 170 of the stalk rolls 190 when ears 300 are being harvested close to ground level. As shown in figure 14D, in the ear separation and ejection zones of the plant after the ear separation, the extractor plates 130 are normally directly above the fluted portion of the stem rolls 190 and are slightly curved downward. This curve can specifically mimic the arcuate portion or the underside of the leaf 310. This improved curved shape allows a smooth flow of unwanted portions of the corn plants to pass between extractor plates 130 and out of the ear separation chamber 140 while retaining the ear 300.

[0118] As shown in figure 18, the modality shown in figures 12 to 14D allows the flutes 180, 182, 183 and the extraction plates 130 to be positioned close together, which reduces the amount of MOTE retained in the separation chamber of the ear 140 in the event that the stem 320 separation (which is defined as a cut of the stem 320 or another action that causes a portion of the stem 320 to be separated from another portion thereof) occurs before the separation of the stem 300.

[0119] Figures 16 to 16C show another embodiment of the stem rolls 190 representing certain aspects of the present disclosure. In this modality, the short grooves 180 (adjacent to the area divided by line A-A and shown better in figure 16A) of the stem rolls 190 are opposite each other, so that they are found during the operation. However, they never touch during normal operation. The distance between the stem rolls 190 decreases along their length from line A-A to line B-B as shown by figures 16A to 16C. In addition, the long flutes 183 are positioned on the stalk rolls 190 adjacent to their rear around the C-C line. This configuration provides optimal balanced pressure against the stem 320 under certain conditions to first engage the stem 320 and then pull it down while penetrating the outer shell of stem 321, thus avoiding the whip of the stem during the engagement of stem 320.

[0120] In this modality of the stalk rolls 190, the short and intermediate flutes 180, 183 can be integrally formed with each other and distinct via a stair step configuration. The distance between opposite flutes 180, 182, 183 can be reduced in discrete increments along the length of the stem rolls 190, as best shown in figure 16. These stem rolls 190 could also be configured to have a stem engagement gap 25 as previously described. In addition, any of the stem rolls 15, 16, 190, 400 described or represented here can have any number of flutes 180, 181, 182, 183 extending radially over any suitable distance from the stem roll 15, 16, 190, 400 and may have a combination of tapered flutes 181 and other flutes 180, 182, 183. For example, in a stalk roll 190 embodiment not shown here, the spike separation zone may include flutes 180, 182, 183 having four different radial dimensions, with tapered grooves 181 more or less interspersed. Thus, the scope of the stem rolls 15, 16, 190, 400, as revealed and claimed here, is not limited by the number of different radial dimensions by which the flutes 180, 181, 182, 183 extend from the stem rolls 190 In another embodiment of the stalk rolls 190, the distance between the flutes 180, 182, 183 can be reduced slightly, but there can also be a taper between these discrete points.

3. TILLED TALOS ROLLS

[0121] An additional improvement described here adjusts the taper of the stem rollers to modify the configuration of the entrance zone to further improve the performance of the entrance zone. The tapered stalk rolls 192 shown in figures 15 to 15C exploit a natural attribute present in upright corn - the diameter of the stem 320 at its base (i.e., ground level) is greater than its diameter for the tip or hair. The widest gap between the tapered stalk rolls 192 is at the entrance to the stalk rolls 190 near the front; the smallest gap is at the exit point of the stalk rollers 192 near the rear. This tapering in the stem rolls 192 balances the external forces created by the stem 320 against the tapered flutes 181 and the internal force of the tapered flute 181 against the stem 320. An imbalance of forces can create a pulse in the stem rolls 192 during operation. This pulsation creates a moment around the gearbox that can produce premature failure in the gearbox or its holding mechanisms. The tapering of the stalk rolls 192 reduces the potential for pulsation while promoting the entry of the stems 320 between the stalk rolls 192 and allowing aggressive engagement between the stalk rolls 192 and the stalk 320. The tapering can be achieved by changing the diameter of the stalk rollers 192 along its length or the radial distance that the tapered cannons 181 extend from the stalk roll 192.

[0122] The mode of the stalk rolls 192 having tapered flutes 181 shown in figures 15 to 15C is configured so that the tapered flutes 181 in the alignment / entry zone (the area around the AA line) and spike separation zones ( the area around the BB line) are opposite, as clearly shown in figures 15B and 15A. Conversely, the tapered flutes 181 in the plant's ejection zone after separation of the ear (the area around the C-C line) are meshed, as best shown in figure 15C. During operation, when a stem 320 is engaged by the stem rolls 192, the distance between the tapered flutes 181 and the opposite stem roll 192 is reduced, thereby increasing the penetration of the stem 320 through the tapered flutes 181 and exerting continuous pressure against stem 320 during engagement.

[0123] Another embodiment of the stalk rolls 192 having tapered flutes 181 is shown in figures 17 to 17B. In this modality, all tapered flutes 181 are meshed, as is clearly shown in figures 17A and 17B. In this embodiment of the stalk rolls 192, the various zones previously described are mixed, such that clear boundaries between the zones do not exist. Instead, the transition from one zone to the next is smooth and seamless. However, any embodiment of the tapered stem rolls 192 can be configured with a stem engagement slot 25 simply by removing a portion of certain tapered flutes 181.

[0124] Both tapered stalk rolls 192 and stalk rolls 190 shown in figures 13, 14 and 16 are configured to achieve variable speeds in circumference along the length of stalk rolls 190, 192. There are at least three critical ratios of circumference velocity related to soil velocity for optimal high-efficiency harvesting. The three critical speed ratios are: (1) ground speed of the harvesting machine for horizontal harvest chain speed of row 120 (harvest chain speed 120 needs to be the same as or faster than the speed on the ground); (2) the ground speed of the harvesting machine to the speed at which the transport blades 170 horizontally guide the stems 320 into the ear separation chamber 140 and (3) the ground speed of the harvesting machine to the speed of separation of the vertical spike of the row unit. The speed of separation of the vertical ear (sometimes called the vertical speed of the stem) must be the same as or faster than the speed on the ground. However, the maximum vertical speed of the stem prior to separation of the spike 300 is the highest speed, in which the spikes 300 are not damaged by impact within the row unit. Each of these critical speed ratios restrains the operating speed of each zone described here. Operation outside the critical speed ratio restrictions within each zone produces suboptimal performance.

[0125] The optimization of all critical speed ratios, as required by high speed, high production and / or harvesting under inclined, scattered or broken stem conditions 320, may require that the speed at the effective circumference and the interaction of the rollers of stems 15, 16, 190, 192, 400 of multiple lengths, multiple angles, multiple flutes, multiple blades described in each zone vary while performing the functions described in each zone. The applicant understands that the various speed ratios are related and effective career unit designs need to recognize and incorporate these varying speed ratios to ensure that the maize plant (s) remains vertical or tilts slightly towards the maize spawn with the hitch. . Harvesting corn plants in this way promotes ear separation in the desired ear separation zone and away from the front of the row unit. Aiming at the separation of the ear in this zone and in this way reduces the losses of ears 300 falling forward out of the maize spearhead and on the ground; thereby becoming unrecoverable.

4. DOWN SUCH ROLLERS

[0126] Another embodiment of a stem roll 400 having a stem engagement span 25 is shown in figures 21 to 22. Figures 21A and 21B show corresponding perspective views of the stem roll 400, which is designed to be one of a pair of opposing, counter-rotating stalk rolls 400 mounted on a maize spearhead unit in a previously described manner. The stalk rolls 400 are shown with tip cones 410 having the helical blade 412 attached to them. Typically, tip cone 410 is formed substantially as a cone, as shown in the stalk roll modalities 400 shown here. Helical blade 412 is configured to guide the stems 320 into the ear separation chamber 140, as previously described. Figures 21 to 22 illustrate a first embodiment of a stalk roll 400 having a recess 420, as described in detail below.

[0127] Each stem roll 400 can be formed with a main cylinder 430 having a recess 420 formed there between the front end of the main cylinder 430 and the tip cone 410, as shown in figures 21A and 21B. The recess 420 may extend across the entire circumference of the stem roll 400 (i.e., an annular recess 420). The recess 420 can be formed in the tip cone 410 or it can be formed as a separate cylinder which is later attached to both the main cylinder 430 and the tip cone 410. The diameter of the recess 420 is smaller than the diameter of the main cylinder 430 or the rear end of the tip cone 410, which is evident from figures 21A and 21B. The length of the recess 420 can vary from one mode of the stalk roll 400 to the next, but it is considered that for most modalities, the length of the recess 420 will be from 3.81 to 15.24 cm (1.5 to 6 inches) in length. Additionally, for certain embodiments, it is considered that the diameter of the recess 420 will vary along its length. Thus, the specific dimensions of the recess 420 are by no means limiting.

[0128] The modality of the stalk rolls 400 shown in figures 21 to 22 includes a total of ten flutes 440, 450, six of which are complete flutes 440 and four of these are reduced flutes 450. However, other modalities of the stalk rolls 400 may have other numbers of complete flutes 440 and / or reduced flutes 450 to obtain a different number of total flutes 440, 450 and / or ratio of complete flutes 440 to reduced flutes 450. Additionally, reduced flutes 450 do not have to be the same length. The flutes 440, 450 extend in a radial direction of the main cylinder 430 and / or recess 420. The flutes 440, 450 in the form shown in figures 21 to 22 are substantially parallel to the longitudinal geometric axis of the stem roll 400 and substantially perpendicular to a line tangent to the main cylinder 430 at the base of the flute 449.

[0129] In a second embodiment of the stalk roll, the flutes 440, 450 are oriented differently with respect to the lines that are tangent to the main cylinder 430 at the base of the flute 449. For example, figure 23 shows a view of the end of two meshed stalk rolls 400, where the flutes 440, 450 are angled forward with respect to the direction of rotation of the stalk rolls 400. Thus, the angle of the flutes 440, 450 with respect to the lines that are tangent to the main cylinder 430 at the base of the flute 449 in no way limits the scope of the stalk rolls 400 as disclosed and claimed herein.

[0130] In the first embodiment of the stalk roll 400, the complete flutes 440 extend from the rear end of the main cylinder 430 through the recess 420 and to the rear end of the tip cone 410, as shown in figures 21A and 21B. The reduced flutes 450 can extend from the rear end of the main cylinder 430 to the rear end of the recess 420. In the first embodiment of the stem roll 400, the reduced flutes 450 are oriented in two pairs on opposite sides of the stem roll 400 and the complete flutes 440 are arranged in groups of three on opposite sides of the stalk roll 400. The distance in the circumference between the flutes 440, 450 can be the same and, in the first embodiment, the flutes 440, 450 are positioned at thirty-six degrees each adjacent flute 440, 450.

[0131] A detailed view of the flutes 440, 450 is shown in figure 21C. As shown, each flute 440, 450 includes a flute edge 442 at the apex of a front surface 444 and a rear surface 445. The front and rear surfaces 444, 445 can be connected to main cylinder 430 and / or recess 420 (depending on if it is a full flute 440 or reduced flute 450) with a flute base 449. The flute base 449 may have a front wall 446 adjacent to the front surface 444 and a rear wall 447 adjacent to the rear surface 445. In the first mode of stem roll 400, a pair of stem roll 400 is mounted, such that the stem roll 400 rotates towards the front surface 444 and the front wall 446, as shown by the arrows in figure 22.

[0132] Each flute 440, 450 can be formed with a chamfered edge 448 on its front axial surface. Under certain conditions, a chamfered edge 448 provides easier entry for a stem 320 into the mating plant of the corn plant. In the modality shown in figures 21 to 22, the chamfered edge 448 is angled at 30 degrees with respect to the vertical. However, in other embodiments, the chamfered edge 448 can be configured differently without limitation.

[0133] In the first embodiment of the stem roll 400, the rear wall 447 and the rear surface 445 are integral and linear, but may have other configurations in other modalities of the stem roll 400. In the first embodiment, the front surface 444 is angled at thirty degrees with respect to the front wall 446, which also creates a thirty degree angle between the front surface 444 and the rear surface 445 (and the rear wall 447 in the first embodiment). Through testing, the applicant found that this orientation allows the flutes 440, 452 to effectively hold the stem 320 during removal of the ear 321 and subsequently process the stem 320 for accelerated decomposition. In addition, this orientation allows the stem rollers 400 to properly loosen stem 320 after the spike 321 has been removed, so that stem 320 does not wrap around stem roll 400. Other orientations and / or configurations of the front surfaces 444, rear surfaces 445, front walls 446, rear walls 447 and / or fluted bases 449 can be used in other embodiments of the stalk roll 400 without limitation.

[0134] The embodiment shown in figure 23 includes the front and rear surfaces 444, 445 that are substantially parallel to each other and create a flute edge 442 that is substantially flat, which can be optimal in conditions where the stem is desired 320 is sprayed instead of cut / lacerated. The angle between the front and rear surfaces 444, 445 and the flute edge 442 in the embodiment in figure 23 may be different from that shown here without limitation. The optimum configuration will vary at least based on the threshing conditions and plant variety. In the embodiment shown, the flute edge 442 is perpendicular to both the front and rear edges 444, 445, so that the stem rollers 400 appropriately release the stem 320 after processing. However, other configurations will be preferred for other operating conditions.

[0135] Figure 22 shows an end view of two rolls of cooperating stems 400 configured according to the first embodiment. The stalk rolls 400 in this figure are shown substantially as they would appear when mounted on a maize spawner career unit. As shown, the stem rolls 400 are assembled, such that a pair of reduced flutes 450 on opposite stem rolls 400 are mutually adjacent twice during a complete revolution of the stem rolls 400. This creates two stem engagement spans 25 per revolution extending the length of the recess 420. That is, the length of the engagement slot of the stem 25 in the first modality of the stem rolls 400 is equal to the difference in length between the complete flutes 440 and the reduced flutes 450, which it is also equal to the length of the recess 420. In the first embodiment of the stem roll 400 having a recess 420, the width of the stem gap 7 is defined by the distance between the inner peripheries of the main cylinders 430 of the opposite stem rolls 400. The recess 420 increases the effective width of the engagement slot of the stem 25 by twice the difference in diameter between the main cylinder 430 and the recess 420. Additionally, the recess 420 facilitates the positioning of a stem 32 0 between the edge of the groove 442 of a complete groove 440 and the recess 420 when the engagement slot of the stem 25 is not present in the groove of the stems 7. This ensures that the stems 320 move backwards along the length of the rollers. stems 400 during harvesting instead of stopping in front of the stalk rolls 400 or being pushed forward to the tip cone 410. In the stalk roll 400 modalities in which the depth of the recess 420 is not constant along its length , the width of the stalk gap 7 is also not constant.

[0136] The modality of the stem rollers 400 shown in figures 21 to 22 effectively removes the spikes 300 from a stem 320 and also cuts the stem 320 with the ejection of the stem rolls 400. This is accomplished through the simultaneous tightening and control of the stem 320 by a first pair of flutes 440, 450 while a second flute 440, 450 below the first pair cuts off stem 320. This situation is shown schematically in figure 22B. The first pair of flanges 440, 450 hold the stem 320 by engaging it at the first and second clamping points 322, 323. This clamping and control of the stem 320 allows another flange 440, 450 positioned below, but adjacent to the second clamping point 323 produce a cut point of stem 324. This functionality requires a plurality of flutes 440, 450 spaced less than sixty degrees from adjacent flutes 440, 450. That is, at least seven flutes 440, 450 are required and the modality represented here uses ten flutes 440, 450.

[0137] The applicant expected that stalk rolls 400, as shown in figures 21 to 22, would increase the amount of MOTE produced during the harvest compared to six otherwise identical stalk rolls. However, field testing showed that the ten-flute stalk rolls 400 actually produced less MOTE while simultaneously mutilating the 320 stalk more effectively than did the six-fluted stalk rolls. In addition, the ten-flute stalk rolls 400 operated consistently in multiple conditions, including high humidity (for example, early morning or late night harvesting), low humidity, and several varieties of corn plants.

[0138] The cutting function at the cut point of stem 324 is enhanced by the secure engagement of stem 320 at the first and second clamping points 322, 323 and the forward tilt of the front surface 444. Rather than slipping past the edge of the groove 442 at the cut point of the stem 324, the stem 320 is secured by the first and second clamping points 322, 323, so that the edge of the groove 442 at the cut point of the stem 324 can fully penetrate the stem 320. This allows the stem rolls 400 to eject a plurality of pieces of stem 326 that resemble confetti.

[0139] Other modalities of the stem rollers 400 incorporating a recess 420 may have more or less flutes 440, 450 extended by other distances along the length of the stem roll 400. Additionally, any considerations, designs and / or guidelines previously discussed for other stem rolls 15, 16, 190, 192 can be incorporated with stem rolls 400 having a recess 420. For example, intermediate flutes 182, tapered flutes 181 and / or long flutes 183 can be positioned on the 400 stalks in various positions of it. In addition, the considerations of the various zones described in detail above can be incorporated into the design of the 400 stem rollers.

5. OTHER CAREER UNIT CONSIDERATIONS

[0140] As shown in the modality of a career path for the corn cropper in figure 20, stalks 320 are lifted and guided to the career path by dividers 100. Harvest chain 120 can be formed with chain shovels extended harvesting heads 110, which help to direct the stems 320 and / or ears 300 to the ear separation chamber 140. The ears 320 can be further centered in the ear separation chamber 140 by improved extraction plates 130 described in detail above. The extended harvest chain shovels 110 have a greater angle relative to the harvest chain 120, which allows the harvest chain shovels 110 to engage a greater number of stalks 320 and / or corn plants, especially when harvesting inclined corn and / or scattered.

[0141] The stems 320 are harvested and further propelled backwards by means of the force provided by the transport blades 170 in the tip cones 5, which are opposedly rolled up and strategically synchronized to be horizontally opposed. The transport paddles 170 positively direct and lock the stem 320 in the alignment and entry zones, both of which can be configured with a stem engagement slot 25. Alternatively, the stem engagement slot 25 can be replaced and / or complemented with stalk rolls 190 having tapered flutes 181, as shown in figures 15 to 15C and 17 to 17B. The strategic lateral speed granted to the stem 320 by rotating the transport blades 170 is determined by the angle of the transport blades 170. This lateral speed can be equal to or faster than the lateral speed granted to the stem 320 by the blades of the harvest chain. 110.

[0142] In the form of a row unit shown in figure 20, the reduced number of paddles in the extended harvest chain 110 increases the transport capacity of the row unit in the ear separation chamber 140 to transport the separated ears 300 backwards . This improved capacity increases the transport efficiency of the paddles from the harvest chain 110 to the trough of the cross auger 200, which contains the auger 220 and the helical blade 230 to transport the ears 300 to the area of the feeder house.

[0143] Figures 18 and 18A show how the stalk rolls 192 of the flute-tapered flute design can work under certain conditions. As the stem rolls 192 rotate, the sharp edges of the grooves 181 penetrate the outer shell of the stem 321. The penetration of the tapered grooves 181 combined with the rotation of the stem rolls 192 can simultaneously pull and tear the stem 320. Because the whole the career unit is moving forward during operation, the tapered flutes 181 penetrate deeper and deeper into the stem 320 as it is pulled down into the career unit. The difference in height between the tapered flutes 181 and the stem roll 192 results in a continuous compression / decompression action against stem 320, which can cause the stem 320 to frizz.

[0144] Figures 19A and B illustrate the non-engaged stalk rolls 190 as they rotate during operation. In figure 18A, the grooves 180 are marked at the top of the rotation before contact with the stem 320. As the stem roll 190 rotates, the edge of the grooves 180 will engage and begin to tighten the stem 320. In figure 19B, the flutes 180 were rotated by ninety degrees. The opposite flutes 180 are directly opposite each other. The pressure exerted by the flutes 180 on the stem 320 leads to the penetration of the stem 320. The rotation of the stem roll 190 pulled the stem 320 down into the corn row unit. The penetration through the flutes 180 is at the maximum depth in figure 18B. Opposite flutes 180 do not touch during the cycle to avoid cutting through stem 320 in this modality. The angle of the flute knife edges 180 has a predetermined slope, as described. The angle of the slopes is forward with respect to the direction of rotation of the 190 stem rollers.

6. ADDITIONAL TALOS ROLL MODALITIES

[0145] Another illustrative embodiment of a stalk roll 400 that can have a recess 420 formed therein is shown in figures 24A to 24C. It is envisaged that this particular modality of a stalk roll 400 can be specifically adapted for use with a John Deere 40-90 series corn spigger and / or a 2200 and / or 2400 Case-IH corn spigger. It is envisaged that the stalk rolls 400 shown in figures 28A to 28C can be specifically adapted for use with a John Deere 600 series corn de-spreader. However, the specific type of maize deglomerator for which a stem roll 400 in accordance with the present disclosure is in no way adapted to limit the scope of the stem stem 400 as disclosed and claimed herein. In this way, the various characteristics and / or aspects of the stalk roll 400 according to the present disclosure can be used in a stalk roll 400 configured for coupling with any maize deglutist, whether currently existing until later developed, without limitation. In addition, the illustrative modality of a stem roll 400 shown in figures 24A to 24C can be especially useful if configured as the right stem roll 400 (from the advantage of an operator positioned on the harvesting machine with which the stem roll 400 is attached) engaged, the advantage of which is used here when referring to the “right” and / or “left” directions of a pair of cooperating stem rollers 400. Conversely, the illustrative embodiment of a stem roll 400 shown in figures 25A to 25C can be especially useful if configured as the left stem roll 400 of a pair of cooperating stem rollers 400, the illustrative modality of a pair of stem rollers 400 is shown in figures 27A & 27B. However, the specific relative orientation, settings, etc. of the stalk rolls 400 using any of the various features disclosed here in no way limits the scope of the stalk roll 400 as disclosed and claimed here.

[0146] Those skilled in the art will see how to adapt the characteristics of any illustrative modality of a stalk roll 400 shown in figures 24A to 24C and / or 25A to 25C to configure a pair of cooperating stalk rolls 400, as well as its modality illustrative shown in figures 27A & 27B. Accordingly, reference to any illustrative embodiment of a right or left stem roll 400 in no way limits the broader inventive features disclosed here and those features can be adapted to a cooperating stem roll 400 without limitation.

[0147] It will be verified by persons skilled in the art that any stalk roll 400 in accordance with the present disclosure can be engaged with complementary stalk roll transmission shafts 29, which can receive the rotational force of a gearbox. The gearbox can have a fixed speed ratio for components receiving its rotational force or it can have variable speed ratios for any component receiving its rotational force without limitation. Referring now to Figure 24C, which shows an end view of the stem roll modality 400 shown in perspective in Figure 24A with the tip cone 410 removed, that stem roll modality 400 may include ten flutes 440, 440a , 450, 450a, 460 in total. In the modality shown, the stalk roll 400 specifically includes two hybrid flutes 440a, two complete flutes 440, two reduced flutes 450, two second reduced flutes 450a and two short flutes 460. However, other modalities of the stalk roll 400 according to The present disclosure may have different numbers, orientations and / or flute configurations 440, 440a, 450, 450a, 460 without departing from the spirit and scope of the stem roll 400, as revealed and claimed here.

[0148] In certain illustrative embodiments, each flute 440, 440a, 450, 450a, 460 can include a flute base 449, which can be angled with respect to each flute 440, 440a, 450, 450a, 460. Flutes 440, 440a, 450, 450a, 460 can be formed integrally with the base of the corresponding flute 449 (as shown in the flutes illustrative of the flutes 440, 440a, 450, 450a, 460 shown in figures 26A to 26G), or they can be formed separately and later coupled with each other. Alternatively, any roll of these 400 in accordance with the present disclosure can be cast, forged and / or formed via any other suitable manufacturing technique and / or production method without limitation.

[0149] In the illustrative embodiments shown in figures 26A to 26G, each flute 440, 440a, 450, 450a, 460 may include a radius 443 as a transition from the front and rear walls 446, 447 of the flute 440, 440a, 450, 450a, 460 for the base of the corresponding flute 449. In the represented modalities, the radius 443 can be configured, such that the angle between the front and / or rear walls 446, 447 of a flute 440, 440a, 450, 450a, 460 and the base of the corresponding flute 449 is greater than 90 degrees, which is evident in figures 24C, 25C and 27B. However, the scope of the stalk roll 400 as disclosed and claimed here is not limited by the specific configuration of radius 443 and / or resulting orientation between the front and / or rear walls 446, 447 of each flute 440, 440a, 450, 450a, 460 and corresponding flute base 449, and the scope of the stalk roll 400 extends to all configurations and / or orientations between flutes 440, 440a, 450, 450a, 460 and corresponding flute bases 449. For certain modalities, it is it is considered that the radius 443 can be configured, such that a flute 440, 440a, 450, 450a, 460 can be formed from a piece of flat iron stock without the need to anneal the flute 440, 440a, 450, 450a, 460.

[0150] In certain illustrative embodiments of a stalk roll 400 shown here, it is envisaged that adjacent flutes 440, 440a, 450, 450a, 460 can be engaged and / or secured, such that the adjacent flute bases 449 generally form a structure cylindrical from which the front and rear walls 446, 447 of the flutes extend radially. This can be done by engaging a distal end of a first flute base 449 to a second adjacent flute 440, 440a, 450, 450a, 460 in an area close to radius 443 of the second flute 440, 440a, 450, 450a, 460. This coupling and / or fixation may be carried out via any suitable structure and / or method, including, but not limited to mechanical fasteners, welding, chemical adhesion and / or combinations thereof without limitation.

[0151] As shown in figures 24A to 24C, an illustrative embodiment of a stem roll 400 may include a tip cone 410 in the front portion of the stem roll 400. Helical blade 412 can be engaged with a portion of the tip cone 410. Typically, tip cone 410 is formed substantially as a cone, as shown in the modalities of the stem rollers 400 shown here. Helical blade 412 can be configured to guide the stems 320 into the ear separation chamber 140 as previously described.

[0152] As previously described, each stalk roll 400 can be formed via a plurality of flutes 440, 440a, 450, 450a, 460 engaged with each other. The plurality of flutes 440, 440a, 450, 450a, 460 can subsequently be engaged with a hub assembly 470, an illustrative embodiment of which is described in more detail below. The flutes 440, 440a, 450, 450a, 460, tip cone 410 and hub assembly 470 can be configured such that a recess 420 exists between the front end of one or more flutes 440, 440a, 450, 450a, 460 and the tip cone 410, as shown in figure 24B. The recess 420 may extend along the entire circumference of the stem roll 400 (i.e., an annular recess 420) or along only a portion of it. The recess 420 can be formed in the tip cone 410 (for example, in its sleeve 414) and / or a portion of the flutes 440, 440a, 450, 450a, 460 or it can be formed as a separate cylinder which is later fixed flutes 440, 440a, 450, 450a, 460 and / or tip cone 410. Thus, the specific elements of the stem roll 400 used to create a recess 420 in no way limit the scope of the stem roll 400, as revealed and claimed here.

[0153] An illustrative embodiment of a hybrid flute 440a is shown in figure 26A. As shown, this embodiment of a hybrid flute 440a can include an axial face 441 that is angled backwards with respect to the direction of movement of a harvesting machine to create a front chamfered edge 448. In certain embodiments, the chamfered edge 448 can be advantageously at an angle of 30 degrees with respect to the vertical. However, in other embodiments, the chamfered edge 448 can be configured differently without limitation. For example, in other modalities of the hybrid flute 440a, the chamfered edge 448 can be angular in 20 degrees with respect to the vertical or it can be angular in 45 degrees with respect to the vertical.

[0154] Referring to figure 26F, the illustrative embodiment of a hybrid flute 440a may include a rear wall 447 and rear surface 445 which may be integral and linear, but which may have other configurations in other modes of the stalk roll 400. A hybrid flute 440a can also include a front wall 446 and a front surface 444. As shown, the front and rear walls 446, 447 can extend beyond the base of the flute 449, such that a portion of the front and rear walls 446, 447 can be positioned on the outer surface of sleeve 414 and / or another portion of tip cone 410 and / or stem roll 400. Additionally, a first portion of the flute edge 442 for tip cone 410 can be formed as a a blind edge and a rear portion of the flute edge 442 can be formed like a sharp knife edge.

[0155] The blind edge of the flute 442 can be formed via the front and rear surfaces 444, 445 which are substantially parallel to each other, in order to create a edge of the flute 442 which is substantially flat, whose flute edge 442 can be generally perpendicular. to the front and rear surfaces 444, 445. The sharp flute edge 442 can be formed by tilting the front surface with respect to the front wall 446. The optimum angle for this will vary depending on specific harvest conditions, but it is considered that for the most part of applications the optimum angle can be between 2 and 65 degrees. Other orientations and / or configurations of the front surfaces 444, rear surfaces 445, front walls 446, rear walls 447 and / or flute bases 449 can be used in other modalities of the stalk roll 400 without limitation.

[0156] In the modalities of the stalk roll 400 and flute 440, 440a, 450, 450a, 460 shown in figures 24A to 27B, it is considered that the blind edge of the flute 442 may extend along the length of the stalk roll 400 of an area adjacent to the flute / helical blade interface 412a back to an area just after the start of the shortest flute 440, 440a, 450, 450a, 460 on the stalk roll 400 (which may be the short flute 460, as shown in illustrative embodiment in figures 24A to 27B). This configuration can ensure that the portion of any flute 440, 440a, 450, 450a, 460 that initially engages a stem is a blunt edge of flute 442, rather than a sharp edge of flute 442, which can mitigate the wear in the flutes. 440, 440a, 450, 450a, 460.

[0157] An illustrative embodiment of a complete flute 440 is shown in perspective view in figure 26B. The complete flute 440 can be positioned adjacent to a hybrid flute 440a in the illustrative modalities of the stalk rolls 400 shown in figures 24A to 25C, 27A and 27B, and in whose modalities, the complete flute 440 can be shorter in length. than the hybrid corrugation 440a. The illustrative embodiment of a complete flute 440 may include a rear wall 447 and rear surface 445 which may be integral and linear, but which may have other configurations in other modalities of the stalk roll 400. The complete flute 440 may also include a front wall 446 and a front surface 444. As shown, the front and rear walls 446, 447 can extend beyond the base of the flute 449, such that a portion of the front and rear walls 446, 447 can be positioned on the outer surface of the sleeve 414 and / or another portion of the tip cone 410 and / or stem roll 400. The entire edge of the groove 442 of the complete groove 440 can be formed as a sharp knife edge. Alternatively, the complete flute 440 can be formed with a portion that includes a blunt edge of flute 442 and another portion that includes a sharp edge of flute 442, as previously described for hybrid flute 440a.

[0158] An illustrative embodiment of a reduced flute 450 is shown in perspective view in figure 26C. The reduced flute 450 can be positioned adjacent to a complete flute 440 in the illustrative modalities of the stalk rolls 400 shown in figures 24A to 25C, 27A and 27B, and in whose modalities, the reduced flute 450 may be shorter in length than the complete flute 440. The illustrative modality of a reduced flute 450 may include a rear wall 447 and rear surface 445 which may be integral and linear, but which may have other configurations in other modalities of the stalk roll 400. The reduced flute 450 may also include a front wall 446 and a front surface 444. As shown, the front and rear walls 446, 447 can extend beyond the base of the flute 449, such that a portion of the front and rear walls 446, 447 can be positioned on the surface outside of sleeve 414 and / or another portion of tip cone 410 and / or stem roll 400. The entire edge of the cannula 442 of the reduced cannula 450 can be formed as a sharp knife edge. Alternatively, the reduced flute 450 can be formed with a portion that includes a blunt edge of flute 442 and another portion that includes a sharp edge of flute 442, as previously described for hybrid flute 440a.

[0159] An illustrative embodiment of a second reduced flute 450a is shown in perspective view in figure 26D. The second reduced flute 450a can be positioned adjacent to a reduced flute 450 in the illustrative modalities of the stalk rolls 400 shown in figures 24A to 25C, 27A and 27B, and in whose modalities the second reduced flute 450a may be of shorter length. the reduced flute 450. The illustrative embodiment of a second reduced flute 450a can include a rear wall 447 and rear surface 445 which can be integral and linear, but which can have other configurations in other modalities of the stalk roll 400. The second reduced flute 450a can also include a front wall 446 and a front surface 444. As shown, the front and rear walls 446, 447 can extend beyond the base of the flute 449, such that a portion of the front and rear walls 446, 447 can be positioned on the outer surface of the glove 414 and / or another portion of the tip cone 410 and / or stem roll 400. The entire edge of the groove 442 of the second layer reduced profile 450a can be formed like a sharp knife edge. Alternatively, the second reduced flute 450a can be formed with a portion that includes a blunt edge of flute 442 and another portion that includes a sharp edge of flute 442, as previously described for hybrid flute 440a.

[0160] An illustrative embodiment of a short flute 460 is shown in perspective view in figure 26E. The short flute 460 can be positioned adjacent to a second reduced flute 450a in the illustrative modalities of the stalk rolls 400 shown in figures 24A to 25C, 27A and 27B, and in whose modalities, the short flute 460 can be shorter in length than the second reduced shin 450a. The illustrative embodiment of a short flute 460 may include a rear wall 447 and rear surface 445 which may be integral and linear, but which may have other configurations in other modalities of the stalk roll 400. The short flute 460 may also include a front wall 446 and a front surface 444. As shown, the front and rear walls 446, 447 can extend beyond the base of the flute 449, such that a portion of the front and rear walls 446, 447 can be positioned on the outer surface of the sleeve 414 and / or another portion of the tip cone 410 and / or stem roll 400. The entire edge of the flute 442 of the short flute 460 can be formed as a sharp knife edge. Alternatively, the short flute 460 can be formed with a portion that includes a blunt edge of the flute 442 and another portion that includes a sharp edge of the flute 442, as previously described for the hybrid flute 440a. As shown, all or some of the flutes 440, 440a, 450, 450a, 460 can be formed with an axial face 441 that is angular to the edge of flute 442 at an angle greater than 90 degrees to reduce the likelihood of shear- growth or degradation of the stem with the first contact with a flute 440, 440a, 450, 450a, 460. It is considered that, in one embodiment, this axial face 441 can be angular in 120 degrees with respect to the edge of the flute 442.

[0161] Although the illustrative modalities shown in figures 24A to 25C, 27A and 27B represent stalk rolls 400 having two hybrid flutes 440a, two complete flutes 440, two reduced flutes 450, two second reduced flutes 450 and two short flutes 460, others flute numbers, configurations and / or orientations 440, 440a, 450, 450a, 460 can be used without limitation. For example, in some embodiments of a stalk roll 400 according to the present disclosure, it is considered that the complete flutes 440 can be configured as having a portion configured with a blunt edge of the flute 442 and a portion configured with a sharp edge of the flute 442.

[0162] In the illustrative modalities of the stalk rolls 400 shown in figures 24A to 25C, 27A and 27B, another hybrid flute 440a can be positioned adjacent to a short flute 460, such that each hybrid flute 440a is positioned between a short flute 460 and a complete flute 440 and so on to configure a stalk roll 400 with ten flutes 440, 440a, 450, 450a, 460. However, other configurations, orientations and / or relative positions and / or dimensions of the flutes 440, 440a, 450 , 450a, 460 can be used without departing from the spirit and scope of the stem roll 400 as revealed and claimed here. As shown, the configuration of the illustrative modalities of the flutes 440, 440a, 450, 450a, 460 can create a stair-step window. In addition, the helical blade 412 on the tip cone 410 can cooperate with the flutes 440, 440a, 450, 450a, 460, such that the flute / helical blade interface 412a leads to an open area on the stem roll 400 to facilitate entry of a stem into the separation chamber of the ear 140 with minimal interference from any strands 440, 440a, 450, 450a, 460. This can be done by placing the axial face forward 441 of the groove that extends further forward 440, 440a, 450, 450a, 460 (which in this illustrative embodiment is the hybrid flute 440a) as rotationally aligned as possible with the rear end of the helical blade 412. In the illustrative embodiment of a stalk roll 400 shown in figure 24A, the flute hybrid 440a and the rear end of the helical blade 412 can have little to no rotational displacement between them.

[0163] Because the illustrative modality of a pair of stalk rollers 400 shown in figures 27A and 27B is configured to be engaged, the illustrative modality of a stalk roll 400 shown in figures 25A to 25C may require that there be a certain amount of rotational displacement between the rear end of the helical blade 412 and the hybrid flute 440a to prevent interference between tip cones 410 and / or flutes 440, 440a, 450, 450a, 460 of opposing stem rolls 400 cooperating as a pair . In this way, the modality of a stalk roll 400 shown in figures 25A to 25C can be configured, such that the rear end of the helical blade 412 is positioned, so that it does not feed a stalk directly into a flute 440, 440a , 450, 450a, 460, which can result in the rear end of helical blade 412 approximately rotationally aligned with a second reduced flute 450a. However, in other embodiments, it is possible that both stalk rolls 400 of a cooperating pair may have little to no rotational displacement between the flap that extends further forward 440, 440a, 450, 450a, 460 and the rear end of helical blade 412. In still other embodiments, the rear end of helical blade 412 can be approximately rotationally aligned with a different flute 440, 440a, 450, 450a, 460, such as a short flute 460 or reduced flute 450 without limitation. Thus, the specific and / or relative rotational positions of the helical blade 412 and various flutes 440, 440a, 450, 450a, 460 in no way limit the scope of the stem roll 400 as disclosed and claimed here.

[0164] Referring now to Figures 26A to 26G, each flute base 449 may include a chamfer of the base 449b. The chamfer of the base 449b can be configured to facilitate the movement of a stem from an area adjacent to a recess 420 for the separation chamber of the ear 140. The configuration of a stem roll 400 with flutes 440, 440a, 450, 450a, 460 shown in figures 26A to 26G may allow a recess 420 in the stem roll 400 of varying length depending on the rotational position in the stem roll 400 (which may also affect the depth of a stem engagement slot 25, as described in detail bellow). For example, in the illustrative embodiment of a flute configuration 440, 440a, 450, 450a, 460 shown in figure 26G, the portion of the front and rear walls 446, 447 that extends forward beyond the base of the flute 449 of a first flute 440, 440a, 450, 450a, 460 can cooperate with the portion of the front and rear walls 446, 447 that extends forward beyond the base of the flute 449 of a second adjacent flute 440, 440a, 450, 450a, 460, such that a portion of the recess 420 resides between the two flutes 440, 440a, 450, 450a, 460 in the space absent any base of the flute 449. This configuration allows a recess 420 that extends further back along the length of the stem roll 400 from the longest flute 440, 440a, 450, 450a, 460 for the shortest flute 440, 440a, 450, 450a, 460 (which happens to be the hybrid flute 440a for the short flute 460 in the illustrative modalities). That is, in the illustrative embodiments of a stalk roll 400, the recess 420 may extend further back along the length of the stalk roll 400 between the second reduced flute 450a and the reduced flute 450 than recess 420 extends between the reduced flute 450 and the complete flute 440. In addition, the recess 420 may extend further back along the length of the stalk roll 400 between the reduced flute 450 and the complete flute 440 than the recess 420 extends between the flute complete 440 and the hybrid flute 440a. However, other flute configurations 440, 440a, 450, 450a, 460, flute bases 449, nose cones 410 and / or hub assemblies 470 can be used to manipulate the configuration and / or orientation of recess 420 without limitation.

[0165] As with other modalities of the stalk roll 400, the diameter of the recess 420 can generally be smaller than the outside diameter of the general cylinder formed by adjacent flute bases 449 or the rear end of the tip cone 410. The length of the recess 420 can vary from one embodiment of the stalk roll 400 to the next and can vary in a given stalk roll 400 depending on the rotational position around the stalk roll 400 as described above. Thus, the specific dimensions of recess 420 are in no way limiting the scope of the present disclosure.

[0166] One or more flute bases 449 can be formed with several openings 449a in them to allow access to a key pin (not shown), retainer 432 and / or other structures. One or more groove bases 449 can also be formed with a bypass hole, such that a retainer 432 can pass through an opening 449a and engage the bypass hole. Tightening the retainer 432 can cause the area between a notch 462 (shown formed in the hybrid flange 440a of the embodiment shown in figures 24A to 27B) and an adjacent flute base 449 to be limited, which in turn can cause the slot 476 to restrict around the transmission shaft of the stem roller 29, thereby securing a portion of the stem roller 400 on the transmission shaft of the stem roller 29. Naturally, those skilled in the art will find that the method of Specific assembly and / or structures used to engage a stem roll 400 with a stem axis of the stem roll 29 will vary from one application to the next and therefore is in no way limiting the scope of the present disclosure.

[0167] In these modalities represented in figures 24A to 27B, the configuration and orientation of the flutes 440, 440a, 450, 450a, 460 can produce a stem coupling span 25 with dynamic geometry. When two rolls of cooperating stems 400 rotate, the hybrid flutes 440a eventually become present inside the slit crack 7. Continuing to rotate the stalk rolls 400 causes the complete flutes 440 (or a portion of them) to be present in the slit of stalks 7, such that a portion of the complete flutes 440 and a portion of the hybrid flutes 440a can be simultaneously present in the stem slot 7. Continuing to rotate the stem rolls 400 causes the reduced flutes 450 (or a portion of them) become present in the stalk slot 7, such that a portion of the reduced flutes 450 and a portion of the complete flutes 440 can be simultaneously present in the stalk slot 7. The additional rotation causes the second reduced flutes 450a (or a portion thereof) ) become present in the stalk gap 7, such that a portion of the reduced flutes 450 and the second reduced flutes 450a can be simultaneously present in the stalk gap 7. Fin In particular, the rotation of the stalk rolls 400 still causes the short flutes 460 (or a portion of them) to be present in the stalk slot 7, such that a portion of the short flutes 460 and a portion of the reduced second flutes 450a can become simultaneously present in the stalk gap 7.

[0168] As this rotation occurs, it will be evident to those skilled in the art that the hitch opening of the stems 25 may first appear (at a time approximately when the hybrid flutes 440a come out of the stalk gap 7) and may have a width constant (the width of which can be approximately equal to the horizontal distance between the sleeves 414 of opposite tip cones 410). However, the depth of the engagement slot of the stem 25 may increase progressively when the above rotation occurs. That is, the depth of the hitch opening of the stalk 25 at a time in time when the short flutes 460 and the second reduced flutes 450a are present in the stalk gap 7 may be greater than the depth of the hitch opening of the stalk 25 in a moment in time when the complete flutes 440 and reduced flutes 450 are present in the slit of stems 7. The chamfers of the base 449b, the positions of the chamfer on the axial faces 441, the lengths of the flute bases 449, the lengths of the flutes 440 , 440a, 450, 450a, 460 and / or the distance that the front and rear walls 446, 447 extend beyond the corresponding flute bases 449 can be configured to provide a relatively smooth transition from a depth of a stem engagement gap 25 (or recess length 420) to the next, which is clearly shown at least in figure 26G. Other provisions of the various elements described here can be used without departing from the spirit and scope of the stem roll 400 as disclosed and claimed here. It is considered that this configuration can facilitate the positioning of a stem 320 between the blind edges of the groove 442 of the hybrid grooves 440a in rolls of opposite stems 440, which can guarantee that the stems 320 will move backwards along the length of the stalk rolls 400 during harvesting instead of stopping in front of the stalk rolls 400 or being pushed forward to the tip cone 410.

[0169] In other embodiments, the width of the engagement slot of the stalk 25 may vary with the rotational position of the rolls of opposite stems 400. For example, one or more flutes 440, 440a, 450, 450a, 460 can be configured with a flute base 449 extending forward beyond the front and rear walls 446, 447 to create an area without blade adjacent to that portion of flute base 449. The difference in stem roll diameter 400 in recess 420 when compared to the diameter in the bladeless area 422 can create a stem engagement span 25 having two or more distinct widths, wherein the stem engagement span 25 has a first width along a generally horizontal line drawn from recess 420 in a first stem roll 400 for recess 420 on the opposite stem roll 400 and a second width along a generally horizontal line drawn from the bladeless area on the first stem roll 400 to the bladeless area 422 on the opposite stem roll 400. In a modali In fact, the width of the engagement slot of the stalk 25 between opposing recesses 420 can be 3,175 cm (1.25 inches) and the width of the window between areas without opposing blades 422 can be 2.22 cm (7/8 inches), however such dimensions are by no means limiting. It is considered that, in some embodiments, the width of the engagement slot of the stem 25 between opposing recesses 420 may be equal to the shortest distance between opposing tip cones 410.

[0170] Another illustrative embodiment of the stem rollers 400 according to the present disclosure is shown in figures 28A & 28B. It is considered that this modality of stalk rolls 400 can be configured specifically for use in the John Deere 600 series corn de-spreaders. However, the specific manufacture, model and / or configuration of the corn de-spreader with which any roll of stalks 400 in accordance with the present disclosure is in no way limited the scope of the roll of stalks 400 as revealed and claimed on here. This modality can include hybrid blades 440a, as previously revealed for other modalities or it can be configured without flutes 440, 440a, 450, 450a, 460 having a blunt edge of flute 442 without limitation. As can be seen in figure 28B, a hub assembly 470 engaged with the illustrative embodiment of the stem rollers 400 shown in figures 28A & 28B can be formed with a central hole 475 having one or more coupler sections 475a (which can be formed like four keyways offset 90 degrees from each other) on it. The coupler sections 475a can serve to engage and / or guarantee at least the rotational position of the stem roll 400 with respect to the transmission shaft of the stem roll 29.

[0171] As shown, the stem rollers 400 in figures 28A & 28B may have a tip cone 410 that is slightly longer than the tip cone 410 in the stem rolls 400 shown in figures 27A & 27B. The pitch and depth of the helical blade 412 in any of the tip cones 410 depicted here are for illustrative purposes only and therefore are in no way limiting the scope of the present disclosure. It is considered that, in one embodiment, the pitch of the helical blade 412 will be configured, such that when the stalk rolls 400 are rotating at operating speed, a corn stalk coupled with the helical blade 412 can move in approximately 9.6 km (6 miles) per hour in the generally horizontal dimension. Other 410 tip cones can be used without limitation. If formed separately from hub assembly 470, tip cone 410 can later be attached to hub assembly 470, which can be done using any structure and / or method now known to those skilled in the art or later developed, including , but not limited to welding, mechanical fasteners, chemical adhesives and / or combinations thereof. It is considered that the optimum rotational position of the tip cone 410 can be determined by the configuration of the helical blade 412 and the position of the key pin, but such considerations are in no way limiting the present disclosure.

[0172] The flutes 440, 440a, 450, 450a, 460 in the stalk roll mode 400 shown in figures 28A & 28B can have a rear axial point 464, which can be achieved by removing the flute base 449 from that portion and removing both an upper and lower portion of the front and rear walls 446, 447. This configuration of the rear axial end of the flutes 440, 440a, 450, 450a, 460 can allow the flutes 440, 440a, 450, 450a, 460 to engage a ring end 478 adjacent to the rearmost end of the flutes 440, 440a, 450, 450a, 460 for structural integrity and proper assembly and / or positioning of the stalk rolls 400 in the corn spawn. However, other configurations of the rear axial end of the flutes 440, 440a, 450, 450a, 460 and / or end ring 478 can be used without departing from the spirit and scope of the stem roll 400 as disclosed and claimed here. As with the modalities shown in figures 27A & 27B, the stem rollers 400 shown in figures 28A & 28B can be configured such that a stem engagement span 25 is formed at least once during a complete revolution of the stem rolls 400 , as best described in U.S. Pat. U.S. 7,886,510 and 8,220,237, which are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety.

[0173] As with other modalities of the stem rollers 400 disclosed here, the embodiment shown in figures 28A & 28B, the flute configuration 440, 440a, 450, 450a, 460 can produce a stair-stepped span span 25 A first limit to the depth of this stem engagement gap 25 can be formed at the rear end of helical blade 412 on a flute / helical blade interface 412a. Although not shown for the modality represented, in other modalities of the stalk roll 400, the axial face 441 of one of the complete cannulas 440 (or any flute 440, 440a, 450, 450a, 460 that extends forward) furthest) can be engaged with the helical blade 412, such that during rotation of the stem roll 400, a stem 320 can easily move from the tip cone 410 to the recess 420 (or stem engagement gap 25) and the along the length of the stalk roll 400.

[0174] A first illustrative embodiment of a hub assembly 470 that can be used to couple the stem roll 400 to a transmission shaft of the stem roll 29 is shown in perspective in figure 29A and in axial section in figure 29B. This illustrative embodiment can be specifically adapted to engage a stalk roll 400 with a transmission shaft of the stalk roll 29 of a John Deere 40-90 series corn deicing machine. It is envisaged that tip cone 410, hub assembly 470 and flutes 440, 440a, 450, 450a, 460 can be formed separately and later joined. However, in other modalities, all or some of these elements can be formed integrally with each other via any suitable manufacturing and / or production method now known or later developed. Thus, the specific method of production in no way limits the scope of the present disclosure.

[0175] Hub assembly 470 can be formed with a central hole 475 along its longitudinal geometry axis to receive a transmission shaft from the stem roll 29. The hub assembly may also include at least one key pin that can be configured to pass through the hub assembly 470 and corresponding openings formed in the transmission shaft of the stalk roll 29 and openings 471 formed in the hub assembly 470, in order to guarantee at least the rotational position of the hub assembly 470 with respect to the axis transmission of the stalk roll 29, such that the hub assembly 470 rotates with it. The key pin can also serve to guarantee the axial position of the hub assembly 470 with respect to the transmission shaft of the stalk roll 29.

[0176] A flange 472 can be formed at the front end of the hub assembly 470 to fit inside the tip cone 410 and engage the inner surface of the sleeve 414, which is shown in figure 29B. An engaging surface 473 can be positioned on either side of a recessed surface 474. The engaging surface (s) 473 can be configured to engage one or more flange bases 449 via any methods and / or attachment and / or fixation structures. now known or later developed. A slot 476 can be formed along the longitudinal geometric axis of hub assembly 470 at its end opposite flange 472. Hub assembly 470 can be formed with a protrusion 472a adjacent to the proximal end of flange 472 to produce an engagement point to the distal end of sleeve 414 of tip cone 410.

[0177] One or more flutes 440, 440a, 450, 450a, 460 can be attached to the hub set 470 if they are not integrally formed with it. This can be done using any structure and / or method known to those skilled in the art or later developed, including, but not limited to welding, mechanical fasteners, chemical adhesives and / or combinations thereof. For example, it is envisaged that the flute base 449 can be welded to the engagement surfaces 473 of hub assembly 470. The flute base 449 of one or more flutes 440, 440a, 450, 450a, 460 can be formed with a notch 462 therein (as shown in a hybrid flute 440a in figure 26A), the notch 462 of which can be adjacent to an opening 449a through which a retainer 432 can pass. The notch 462 can extend along a specific flute length 440, 440a, 450, 450a, 460 and inwardly towards the front and rear walls 446, 447 by a specific amount. One or more flute bases 449 can be formed with several openings 449a therein to allow access to a key pin, retainer 432 and / or other structures. One or more flange bases 449 can also be formed with a bypass hole, such that a retainer 432 can pass through an opening 449a and engage the bypass hole. Tightening the retainer 432 can cause the area between a notch 462 and an adjacent flute base 449 to limit, which in turn can cause the slot 476 to constrain around the transmission shaft of the stalk roll 29, thereby by securing a portion of the stem roll 400 on the transmission shaft of the stem roll 29. However, any suitable method and / or structure now known or later developed can be used to properly secure and / or engage a stem roll 400 with a transmission shaft of the stalk roll 29 without limitation.

[0178] Another illustrative embodiment of a hub assembly 470 that can be used to couple the stem roll 400 to a transmission shaft of the stem roll 29 is shown in perspective in figure 30A in an axial section in figure 30B. This illustrative modality can be specifically adapted to engage a stem roll 400 with a transmission shaft of the stem roll 29 of a case-IH 2200 or 2400 series corn de-spreader. It is envisaged that tip cone 410, hub assembly 470 and flutes 440, 440a, 450, 450a, 460 can be formed separately and later joined. However, in other modalities, all or some of these elements can be formed integrally with each other via any suitable manufacturing and / or production method now known or later developed. Accordingly, the specific method of production does not in any way limit the scope of the present disclosure.

[0179] Hub assembly 470 may be formed with a central hole 475 along its longitudinal geometry axis to receive a transmission shaft from the stem roll 29. The central hole 475 may include a section of the coupler 475a along a its specific length having a different cross-sectional shape than the rest of the central hole 475. For example, in the illustrative embodiment of a hub assembly 470 shown in figures 30A & 30B, the coupler section 475a can be formed with a shape of substantially oval cross-section and the remainder of the central hole 475 can be formed with a substantially circular cross-sectional shape. The transmission axis of the stalk roll 29 configured to engage such modality of a hub assembly 470 may have corresponding sections of different cross-sectional shapes, in order to guarantee at least the rotational position of the hub assembly 470 with respect to the axis of transmission of the stalk roll 29, such that the hub assembly 470 rotates with it.

[0180] A flange 472 can be formed at the front end of the hub assembly 470 to fit inside the tip cone 410 and engage the inner surface of the sleeve 414, which is shown in figure 30B. An engagement surface 473 can be positioned adjacent to flange 472. Engagement surface (s) 473 can be configured to engage one or more flange bases 449 via any now known or more methods and / or attachment structures and / or fixings later developed.

[0181] One or more flutes 440, 440a, 450, 450a, 460 can be attached to the hub set 470 if they are not integrally formed with it. This can be done using any structure and / or method known to those skilled in the art or later developed including, but not limited to, welding, mechanical fasteners, chemical adhesives and / or their combinations. For example, it is envisaged that the flute base 449 can be welded to the engagement surfaces 473 of hub assembly 470. The flute base 449 of one or more flutes 440, 440a, 450, 450a, 460 can be formed with a notch 462 therein (as shown in a hybrid flute 440a in figure 26A), the notch 462 of which can be adjacent to an opening 449a through which a retainer 432 can pass. The notch 462 can extend along a specific flute length 440, 440a, 450, 450a, 460 and inwardly towards the front and rear walls 446, 447 by a specific amount. One or more flute bases 449 can be formed with several openings 449a in them to allow access to a key pin, retainer 432 and / or other structures. One or more flange bases 449 can also be formed with a bypass hole, such that a retainer 432 can pass through an opening 449a and engage the bypass hole. However, any suitable method and / or structure now known or later developed can be used to suitably secure and / or engage a stem roll 400 with a transmission shaft of the stem roll 29 without limitation.

[0182] It is considered that the stalk roll modalities 400 shown in figures 27A to 28B can effectively remove the spikes 300 from a stalk 320 and also cut the stalk 320 by ejecting the stalk rolls 400 in a variety of harvesting conditions . This can be accomplished by simultaneously tightening and controlling stem 320 by a first pair of flutes 440, 440a, 450, 450a, 460 while a second flute 440, 440a, 450, 450a, 460 below the first pair cuts off stem 320. The first pair of flanges 440, 440a, 450, 450a, 460 can secure the stem 320 by engaging the first and second clamping points 322, 323. This tightening and control of the stem 320 may allow another flute 440, 440a, 450 , 450a, 460 positioned below, but adjacent to the second clamping point 323, produce a cut point of the stem 324. This functionality may require a plurality of flutes 440, 440a, 450, 450a, 460 spaced less than sixty degrees apart. adjacent flutes 440, 440a, 450, 450a, 460 around the circumference of the stem roll 400. That is, at least seven flutes 440, 440a, 450, 450a, 460 may be required for such functionality.

[0183] The cut function at the cut point of the stem 324 can be enhanced by the secure engagement of the stem 320 at the first and second clamping points 322, 323 and the forward tilt of the front surface 444. Rather than sliding past the groove edge 442 at the cut point of the stem 324, the stem 320 can be trapped by the first and second clamping points 322, 323, so that the groove edge 442 at the cut point of the stem 324 can fully penetrate the stem 320 This may allow the stem rolls 400 to eject a plurality of confetti-like stem pieces 326, which is shown schematically in Figure 22B for a snapshot over time during the rotation of the stem rolls 400.

[0184] It is also considered that the stalk roll modalities 400, as shown in figures 27A to 28B, will decrease the amount of MOTE produced during harvest compared to six otherwise identical stalk rollers. In addition, it is considered that the stalk roll modalities 400, as shown in figures 27A to 28B, can operate consistently in multiple conditions, including high humidity (for example, early morning or evening harvest), low humidity and several varieties of corn plants than other stalk rolls. Because the outer diameter of each groove edge 442 with respect to the rotational geometric axis of each roll of stems 400 can be the same and because the rotational speed of each roll of stems 400 can be equal, the linear speed of each edge of the flute 442 can be the same. However, their angular and / or linear relative speeds may be different as experienced by various stems 320 depending on the position of the stem 320 in relation to the stem rolls 400 and the degree of processing that stem 320 experienced from the stem rolls 400 (for example, cutting, shearing, etc.).

[0185] Other modalities of the stem rollers 400 incorporating a recess 420 and / or configured to produce a stem coupling span 25 may have more or less flutes 440, 440a, 450, 450a, 460 extended by other distances along the length of the stem roll 400. Additionally, any considerations, designs and / or orientations previously discussed for other stem rolls 15, 16, 190, 192 can be incorporated with the stem roll 400 having a recess 420 and / or hitch hitch. stem 25. For example, intermediate flutes 182, tapered flutes 181 and / or long flutes 183 can be positioned on the stem roll 400 in various positions of yours. In addition, considerations of the various zones described in detail above can be incorporated into the design of any of the 400 stem roll modalities. The various features disclosed here can be used alone or in combination. In addition, some of the features revealed here may be especially useful for moving the stem 320 of the tip cone 410 to an area between two opposing stem rolls 400 with minimal risk of shearing the stem 320 or otherwise damaging it in one unwanted mode.

[0186] Any of the illustrative modalities of stalk rolls 15, 16, 190, 192, 400 can be mounted in a cantilevered or unbalanced manner, with or without point bearings. In addition, any of the illustrative modalities of stalk rolls 15, 16, 190, 192, 400 can be oriented in opposite knife-to-knife configurations or interlocking and / or interlocking configurations. As previously mentioned, non-meshed and horizontally opposed flutes 180, 181, 182, 183 can cause the edges of the flute to compress the stem 320 simultaneously as they rotate, which can result in equal forces being applied on both sides of the engaged stem 320, in order to relieve the lash of the stem 320. This can keep the stem 320 generally perpendicular to the soil surface and can reduce any lashing action that could prematurely displace the ears 300 of the stem 320 or break the stem 320 in the stalk node 330. The remaining flutes 180, 181, 182, 183 of the stalk roll 190 can then further compress the stalk 320 by pulling it down and back, so that the spikes 300 are removed from the stems 320 when they come into contact. contact with the extractor plates 130 in the ear separation zone.

[0187] In any of the modalities of stalk rolls 15, 16, 190, 192, 400, the various flutes 18, 19, 20, 21, 26, 33, 180, 181, 182, 183, 440, 440a, 450 , 450a, 460 can be self-sharpening or can have a work-hardened flute / knife edge. In addition, any of the knife / flute edges 22, 442 disclosed here can be coated with various materials, such as chromium, tungsten carbide or any other materials that are suitable for the specific application. Additionally or alternatively, any of the flute / knife edges 22, 442 can be processed in such a way that the knife / flute edges 22, 442 are more resistant to wear than without such processing without limitation.

[0188] Stalk rolls 15, 16, 190, 192, 400 and various elements of them can be constructed from any material known to those skilled in the art or suitable for a specific application. In the modality as represented here, it is considered that most elements will be made of metal or metal alloys, polymers or their combinations. However, other suitable materials can be used.

[0189] It should be noted that the stalk rolls 15, 16, 190, 192, 400; cannulas 18, 19, 20, 21, 26, 33, 180, 181, 182, 183, 440, 440a, 450, 450a, 460; extraction plates 3, 130; harvest chain shovels 1, 110; tip cones 5, 410; career dividers 4, 100 and any other element and / or characteristic described here are not limited to the specific modalities represented and described here, but it is planned to apply to all similar devices and methods to produce the various benefits of these elements, the benefits of which include , but are not limited to increasing the quality of the harvest and / or the speed of a harvesting machine. Modifications and alterations to the described modalities will occur for those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the stalk rolls 15, 16, 190, 192, 400 or the present disclosure.

[0190] Additionally, variations and modifications of the foregoing are within the scope of the stalk rolls 15, 16, 190, 192, 400. It is understood that the scope of the stalk rolls 15, 16, 190, 192, 400 as disclosed here is extends to all alternative combinations of one or more of the individual characteristics mentioned or evident by the text and / or drawings. All of these different combinations constitute several alternative aspects of stalk rolls 15, 16, 190, 192, 400. The modalities described here explain the best known ways to practice stalk rolls 15, 16, 190, 192, 400 and will make it possible that others skilled in the art use the same. The claims are to be interpreted as including alternative modalities to the extent permitted by the prior art.

[0191] Having described the preferred modality, other characteristics, advantages and / or efficiencies of the stalk rolls 15, 16, 190, 192, 400 will undoubtedly occur for those skilled in the art, as there will be numerous modifications and changes in the revealed modalities and methods, all of which can be achieved without departing from the spirit and scope of the stalk rolls 15, 16, 190, 192, 400 or the present revelation.

Claims (17)

1. Flute (18, 19, 20, 21, 26, 33, 180, 181, 182, 183, 440, 440a, 450, 450a, 460) for a roll of stems (15, 16, 190, 192, 400) , said flute (18, 19, 20, 21, 26, 33, 180, 181, 182, 183, 440, 440a, 450, 450a, 460) FEATURED by the fact that it comprises: a. a front surface (23, 444); B. a rear surface (24, 445) angled with respect to said front surface (23, 444), wherein the angle between said rear surface (24, 445) and said front surface (23, 444) is less than sixty degrees and c. a flute edge (442) defined by said front surface (23, 444) and said rear surface (24, 445), wherein said flute edge (442) resides in a radial plane passing through the longitudinal geometric axis of said stalk roll (15, 16, 190, 192, 400). 2. Flute (18, 19, 20, 21, 26, 33, 180, 181, 182, 183, 440, 440a, 450, 450a, 460) for a roll of stems (15, 16, 190, 192, 400) , said flute (18, 19, 20, 21, 26, 33, 180, 181, 182, 183, 440, 440a, 450, 450a, 460) FEATURED by the fact that it comprises: a. a flute base (449) having a length, a width and a height; B. a front wall (446) extended from said flute base (449) and having a front surface (23, 444) therein, wherein said front wall (446) and said front surface (23, 444) are angled with respect to each other and c. a rear wall (447) extended from said flute base (449) having a rear surface (24, 445) on it, wherein said rear surface (24, 445) and said rear wall (447) are collinear and in which a flute edge (442) is formed at an intersection of said front surface (23, 444) and said rear surface (24, 445). 3. Flute (18, 19, 20, 21, 26, 33, 180, 181, 182, 183, 440, 440a, 450, 450a, 460), according to claim 2, CHARACTERIZED by the fact that the angle between said front surface (23, 444) and said rear surface (24, 445) is less than 60 degrees. 4. Flute (18, 19, 20, 21, 26, 33, 180, 181, 182, 183, 440, 440a, 450, 450a, 460), according to claim 3, CHARACTERIZED by the fact that said wall front (446) and said rear wall (447) are parallel with respect to each other. 5. Flute (18, 19, 20, 21, 26, 33, 180, 181, 182, 183, 440, 440a, 450, 450a, 460), according to claim 2, CHARACTERIZED by the fact that said edge the flute (442) still comprises: a. a first portion formed as a blind edge of the groove (442) and b. a second portion formed as a sharp edge of the groove (442). 6. Flute (18, 19, 20, 21, 26, 33, 180, 181, 182, 183, 440, 440a, 450, 450a, 460), according to claim 4, CHARACTERIZED by the fact that said walls front and rear (446, 447) are further defined as having a length parallel to the longitudinal geometric axis of said stem roll (15, 16, 190, 192, 400) and wherein said length of said front and rear walls (446 , 447) is greater than said length of said flute base (449). 7. Flute (18, 19, 20, 21, 26, 33, 180, 181, 182, 183, 440, 440a, 450, 450a, 460), according to claim 7, CHARACTERIZED by the fact that said flute (18, 19, 20, 21, 26, 33, 180, 181, 182, 183, 440, 440a, 450, 450a, 460) still comprises a radius (443) between said flute base (449) and said front and rear walls (446, 447). 8. Flute (18, 19, 20, 21, 26, 33, 180, 181, 182, 183, 440, 440a, 450, 450a, 460), according to claim 5, CHARACTERIZED by the fact that said edge flute blind (442) is further defined as a surface that is generally perpendicular to said front and rear walls (446, 447) and in which said sharp edge of the flute (442) is defined as the apex of an angle between said front and rear surfaces (444, 445) and wherein said angle is less than 65 degrees. 9. Flute (18, 19, 20, 21, 26, 33, 180, 181, 182, 183, 440, 440a, 450, 450a, 460), according to claim 7, CHARACTERIZED by the fact that the angle between said flute base (449) and said front wall (446) is further defined as being greater than 90 degrees. 10. Flute (18, 19, 20, 21, 26, 33, 180, 181, 182, 183, 440, 440a, 450, 450a, 460), according to claim 9, CHARACTERIZED by the fact that said base the flute (449) still comprises a notch (462) and an opening (449a). 11. Flute (18, 19, 20, 21, 26, 33, 180, 181, 182, 183, 440, 440a, 450, 450a, 460), according to claim 10, CHARACTERIZED by the fact that it still comprises a axial face (441) between said front and rear walls (446, 447), wherein said axial face (441) is angular with respect to said flute edge (442) by an amount greater than 90 degrees. 12. Stalk roll (15, 16, 190, 192, 400), FEATURED by the fact that it comprises: a. a hybrid flute (440a); B. a complete flute (440) positioned adjacent to said hybrid flute (440a), wherein a length of said hybrid flute (440a) along the longitudinal geometric axis of said stalk roll (15, 16, 190, 192, 400) is greater than a length of said complete flute (440); ç. a reduced flute (450) positioned adjacent to said complete flute (440), wherein the length of said complete flute (440) along the longitudinal geometric axis of said stalk roll (15, 16, 190, 192, 400) is greater than a length of said reduced flute (450); d. a second reduced flute (450a) positioned adjacent to said reduced flute (450), wherein the length of said reduced flute (450) along the longitudinal geometric axis of said stalk roll (15, 16, 190, 192, 400) is greater than a length of said second reduced flute (450a); and is. a short flute (180, 460) positioned adjacent to said second reduced flute (450a), wherein the length of said second reduced flute (450a) along the longitudinal geometric axis of said stalk roll (15, 16, 190 , 192, 400) is greater than a length of said short flute (180, 460). 13. Stalk roll (15, 16, 190, 192, 400), according to claim 12, CHARACTERIZED by the fact that said hybrid flute (440a), complete flute (440), reduced flute (450), second reduced flute (450a) and said short flute (180, 460) include respective front and rear walls (446, 447) extended from respective flute bases (449) and in which an angular distance between the front walls (446) of said flutes adjacent (180, 440, 440a, 450, 450a, 460) is equal along the periphery of said roll of stalks (15, 16, 190, 192, 400). 14. Stalk roll (15, 16, 190, 192, 400), according to claim 13, CHARACTERIZED by the fact that it still comprises: a. an additional hybrid flute (440a) separated from said first hybrid flute (440a) by approximately 180 degrees; B. an additional complete flute (440) positioned adjacent to said additional hybrid flute (440a); ç. an additional reduced flute (450) positioned adjacent to said additional complete flute (440); d. a second additional reduced flute (450a) positioned adjacent said additional reduced flute (450); and is. an additional short flute (180, 460) positioned adjacent to said second reduced flute (450a). 15. Stalk roll (15, 16, 190, 192, 400), according to claim 14, CHARACTERIZED by the fact that said additional hybrid flute (440a), additional complete flute (440), reduced flute ( 450) additional, additional reduced second flute (450a) and said additional short flute (180, 460) include respective front and rear walls (446, 447) extended from the respective flute bases (449) and in which an angular distance between the walls front (446) of said adjacent flutes (180, 440, 440a, 450, 450a, 460) is equal along the periphery of said roll of stems (15, 16, 190, 192, 400). 16. Stalk roll (15, 16, 190, 192, 400), according to claim 12, CHARACTERIZED by the fact that said hybrid flute (440a) still comprises: a. a first portion of a groove edge (442) formed as a blind groove edge (442); and, b. a second portion of said groove edge (442) formed as a sharp groove edge (442). 17. Stalk roll (15, 16, 190, 192, 400), according to claim 15, CHARACTERIZED by the fact that said front and rear walls (446, 447) of said hybrid flute (440a), hybrid flute Additional (440a), complete flute (440), additional complete flute (440), reduced flute (450), additional reduced flute (450), second reduced flute (450a) and additional second reduced flute (450a) are further defined as having a length parallel to the longitudinal geometric axis of said stem roll (15, 16, 190, 192, 400) and wherein said length of said front and rear walls (446, 447) is greater than said length of said base of the flute (449).

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